Victim Witness Specialist
Location: Alexandria, VA
Job ID: 2024-00198
Salary: $48,185
Closing Date: December 17, 2023
The Opportunity:
To reduce the trauma of victimization and encourage crime victims to cooperate with and participate in the criminal justice system by providing direct services including information and assistance required by the Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act.
The position provides an explanation of the complexities of the criminal justice system, specialized counseling or social services or referral to such services, and information and direction in applying for services available, including benefits from the Virginia Victim’s Fund.
Responsibilities will include providing crisis intervention, referrals, court advocacy, and assisting victims with securing their rights.
Examples of work:
- Court accompaniment
- Court preparation including educating victims of the court process and systems navigation
- Educate victims of their rights (as required by Virginia Code)
- Conduct outreach calls
- Safety plan with victims as needed
- Participation in community engagement events
- Work directly with prosecutors
- Provide referrals for community-based services
- Coordinate services provided to victims of stalking including providing information and support for obtaining protective orders.
- Work cooperatively with allied partners
- Assist victims with reimbursement claims via the Virginia Victim Fund
- Assist victims with the preparation of victim impact statements.
- Coordinate and implement direct services to crime victims. Functions include disseminating victim assistance information; training and educating criminal justice personnel and the public regarding victim assistance and how to obtain the program’s services.
- Directly interfacing with public in person
- Our advocates provide direct services to victims of crime while physically stationed the office and in court; there are no telework opportunities due to the precise nature of their appearance during court hearings and meeting with our prosecutors.
- Fluent in Spanish –reading, writing and speaking
- Four-year college degree (preferred psychology, social or criminal justice-related)
- At least one year of experience in a public and/or human service program providing direct guidance and case management work services.
- Experienced in training and taking the initiative to learn and grow autonomously.
- Valid Driver’s License and reliable mode of transportation
- No telework opportunities – all tasks and direct services to victims are performed while physically in the office or in court due to the precise nature of the position and victim’s need to appear in court and meet with prosecutors.
- Experience in the provision of direct services to victims of crime (within the criminal justice system)
- Prior victim advocacy or related experience (ex: community-based advocacy)
- Multi-lingual
