Victim Specialist (Probation Counselor II)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Job Number: 24-02567
Salary: $64,190.88 - $106,984.59
Closing Date: November 8, 2024
This position works as a part of the Court Services Unit. This position is located in the Fairfax County Courthouse and is under the general supervision of the Victim Services Unit Program Manager. Provides trauma-informed supportive services to victims and witnesses of juvenile crime in the jurisdiction of Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and the towns of Herndon and Vienna, who are involved in the criminal justice system of Fairfax County.
Receives case assignments and investigates the nature of the offense to determine the needs of the client. Contacts victims to provide crisis intervention, resource and referral, safety planning, and victims’ rights information. Explains the criminal justice process and provides notification of future court dates. Makes appropriate referrals to other agencies or community resources. Provides courtroom advocacy to victims and witnesses, and orients clients on the court process. Collaborates with stakeholders to provide consistent and thorough information and services to clients. Provides victim impact and shoplifting prevention classes to diverted and adjudicated offenders under the jurisdiction of the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Provides restitution information to Court Services Unit Staff, victims of crime and defendants. Provides case management and conducts community outreach, as needed.
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)
Victims Services
- Provides supportive services to victims and witnesses of crime involved in the criminal justice system including emotional support, financial assistance, counseling, and victim agency referrals;
- Maintains on-going contact/communication with victims and witnesses during investigation and judicial proceedings, and provides notifications of investigative activity or case developments as needed;
- Provides court accompaniment to crime victim and witnesses for all court proceedings in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations, General District and Circuit Courts;
- Reduces delays in bringing cases to court by assisting in determining availability of victims and witnesses;
- Responds to call-outs to crime scenes and other locations to provide immediate crisis intervention and support, refers clients to related supportive services and agencies;
- Operates a county vehicle to provide the effective delivery of services to victims and witnesses including transporting victims and witnesses to court hearings, commonwealth's attorneys meetings and other court related appointments;
- Provides assistance by administering and providing services designed to enhance coordination among agencies operating within the criminal justice system;
- Works with and assists the officers and detectives within their district station assignment or the criminal investigations bureau with the proper victim services and referrals;
- Encourage citizen awareness and participation through public information and education.
