Victim Service Specialist -III​/Victim Witness Assistance Program​/Administrative Div

Introduction

Delaware's Attorney General, the State's chief law enforcement officer, has a broad responsibility to combat crime, uphold civil rights, safeguard families, fight fraud, and protect consumers in the First State. In meeting this mission, Attorney General Kathy Jennings is supported by teams of talented lawyers and staff in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Fraud and Consumer Protection, and Civil Rights and Public Trust Divisions.

Each of the more than 500 staff who work in the Office of the Attorney General are dedicated to serving all Delawareans with integrity and passion. Deputy Attorneys General, with critical support from criminal special investigators, victim service specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff, prosecute criminal cases, enforce consumer laws, provide counsel to state agencies, ensure the public's access to open government, protect the abused, and much more.

The Delaware Department of Justice seeks dedicated Victim Service Specialists (VSS) to support the Criminal Division, with statewide vacancies in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. These positions are part of the Victim Witness Assistance Program within the Administrative Division and provide direct support to various units within the Criminal Division. Victim Service Specialists assist Deputy Attorneys General and work directly with victims whose cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court, Family Court, or Court of Common Pleas.

VSS staff provide assistance to victims of crime and their families. Specific duties include notifying victims and witnesses of criminal case status, court dates, and hearing outcomes; working with prosecutors and victims to complete restitution requests; interviewing victims and witnesses to ascertain case facts and identify individual needs; assisting with case prosecution by educating victims and witnesses about the criminal justice process and preparing them for court proceedings;

and making referrals to appropriate community resources. Victim Service Specialists are also responsible for maintaining ongoing contact with victims and witnesses to ensure their availability for required court appearances and may accompany victims and witnesses to hearings and trials as needed.

• Apply laws, agency rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in maintaining and processing agency information, particularly the Victims’ Bill of Rights.
• Serve as a liaison with victims of crime and/or victim family members and witnesses to exchange information and explain agency services, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Interview victims of crime and/or victim family members to determine assistance needed and refer them to appropriate agencies and resources.
• Notify victims and witnesses of case status, court dates, general court procedures, sentencing orders, and other information relevant to the criminal justice process.
• Perform follow‑up contact to victims and/or victim family members.
• Document, verify, and record victim information; write reports to summarize cases and maintain files of all case contacts and to provide information, referral services or crisis intervention.
• Maintain adequate records of provided services including case files and related material.
• Provide victim assistance by accompanying persons to court when needed.
• Manage a caseload and provide advocacy for assigned clients, which includes receiving and documenting cases; disseminating information and referrals to community resources for counseling, medical care, legal assistance, emergency funding, and/or other applicable resources; documenting services rendered, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency advocacy, and other related services; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Assist with trial preparation and inform victims of their rights.
• Provide victim notification in compliance with the Victims’ Bill of Rights, which includes notifications for plea purposes, court related events, case resolutions, and other case notifications.
• Research case records and databases to locate and contact victims of crime and/or victim family members for…