Victim Witness Advocate PT

Victim Witness Advocate

The Victim Witness Advocate of the New Kent/Charles City Victim Assistance Program is a part‑time, grant‑funded position responsible for providing victims of crime with services as stated in 19.2-11.2 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, and as recommended by the Victim Services section of the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The work involves alleviating the trauma of victimization and encouraging crime victims to cooperate and participate in the criminal justice system.

• Monitor cases and provide victims with notification of court procedures, hearings, appeals, and prisoner status.
• Explain all aspects of the criminal justice process, the victim’s role in it, counsel victims of their rights under the law as a victim, and assure confidentiality when needed.
• Accompany victims to court, provide assistance in applying for financial help through Crime Injuries Compensation Fund or other agencies, and provide referrals to agencies to assist the victim with counseling, medical needs, or personal safety.
• Coordinate efforts with the Sheriff’s Department, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Judges, Probation & Parole Officers, Clerks of the Court, Social Services, State Police, and other agencies in assisting victims of crime.
• Establish and maintain records describing program activities and services provided in accordance with the Department of Criminal Justice Services, both written and electronic.
• This position requires the ability to exercise independent judgment, discretion and initiative in ensuring the proper services are delivered to clients and the general public.
• In the absence of the Director of Victim Witness, this position will perform his/her duties.

The Victim Witness Assistance Program Advocate should possess a comprehensive knowledge of courtroom and criminal justice procedures and a working knowledge of Windows‑based personal computer systems. The advocate should be able to deal with victims in a manner sensitive to their needs and to provide crisis intervention as needed, maintain victim‑related files, and work with other diverse agencies in a productive and harmonious fashion in order to best serve victims of crime.

The advocate must maintain high standards of accuracy and exercise reasonable tact and discretion in exercising duties and responsibilities.

Good communication skills, both oral and written, are required. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas via the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer‑generated data, operation of motor vehicles, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and a good driving record are also required.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, criminal justice or a related human services environment, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience. A National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) credentialed advocate is preferred although qualifying as a credentialed advocate through NACP can take place within the first year of employment.

The work involves a minimal level of physical exertion including operating a personal computer, standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing steps, driving, and the occasional lifting of office items up to 50 pounds in weight. The worker must be physically capable of frequent sustained operation of office equipment which includes a computer, printer, calculator, etc. The worker must have sufficient mobility to attend court proceedings and related meetings and deliver presentations.

The Director of Victim Witness is responsible for answering the office provided cell phone after hours and on weekends.

Victim Witness Assistance Program staff are exposed to the trauma and emotional turmoil of clients on a daily basis. The cumulative effect of secondary trauma can take its toll on the health and well‑being of Victim Witness Assistance Program advocates. Training on the effects of secondary trauma, resiliency, and self‑care is required for all staff.

After a 180‑day probationary period the Director will evaluate the advocate. Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness with which the incumbent accomplishes the above responsibilities.

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