Victim Witness Specialist I (Domestic Violence Intervention Specialist)

OverviewThe Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney (OCA) is looking for one (1) Victim Witness Specialist, specifically to service victims of domestic and sexual violence by an intimate partner. The Domestic Violence Intervention Specialist is funded by a V-STOP Grant Program through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for the Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP).

Objective
The project is a multidisciplinary partnership which includes the ability to prosecute domestic violence cases regardless of a victim’s level of cooperation. The Domestic Violence Intervention Specialist supports and assists domestic violence victims throughout the criminal justice process and is specifically assigned to provide enhanced services to victims who are reluctant to participate in prosecution.

The incumbent in 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 Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. Responsibilities will include providing crisis intervention, referrals, court advocacy, and assisting victims with securing their rights.

The Opportunity

• Provides information about the court process to domestic violence victims and keeps them informed of the status of cases in which they are involved;
• Prepares domestic violence victims for participation in trial proceedings, informs them of support services available, and accompanies them to meetings with the prosecutor and to the court room for all proceedings;
• Informs victims of the rights they are entitled to under the Virginia Victim and Witness Rights Act including the rights pertaining to protection, financial assistance, notifications, victim input and courtroom assistance; and assists victims with exercising those rights;
• Provides follow-up phone calls regarding safety planning, information and referral services to domestic violence victims;
• Gathers statistics for the Domestic Violence Intervention Project, collects and inputs data, and prepares grant reports;
• Participates in work conferences and meetings dealing with case management of domestic violence cases;
• Attends staff meetings, conferences, in-service training, and workshops to update skills;
• Provides training to allied professionals and conducts community education activities;
• Interfacing with general public daily

About the Office
The mission of the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney (OCA) is to protect the safety of the community and the rights of its citizens by just enforcement of the law. In protecting the rights of the citizenry and the interests of the community, the office endeavors to exercise prosecutorial discretion in service of the law and not for factional purposes. The office of Commonwealth's Attorney is established by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Code of Virginia states that the Commonwealth's Attorney is a member of the department of law enforcement of the City in which he is elected, and that his primary duty is the prosecution of all criminal and traffic offenses committed against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Four-year college degree (preferred psychology, social work 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 and Valid Driver’s License and reliable mode of transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in the provision of direct services to domestic violence victims (community-based or within the criminal justice system); prior victim advocacy or related experience (community-based advocacy); fluent in another language other than English (for example: Amharic, Arabic, Urdu, Spanish, Farsi)

Notes

• It is strongly encouraged to attach a resume and cover letter as part of your application
• 100% Grant-funded position, city benefits offered
• Criminal background check and reference check required prior to employment.
• Employees of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office are at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.