Victim Witness Specialist

Victim Witness Specialist

The mission of the Victim Witness Assistance Program: “It is the mission of the Alexandria Victim Witness Assistance Program to provide comprehensive services to victims of crime to reduce the impact of victimization; to support victims and their families throughout the criminal justice process, and to ensure that victims are afforded the rights entitled to them by law.”

CHIEF OBJECTIVE OF POSITION :
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.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Four-Year College Degree and one year of experience in a human services delivery program providing direct guidance and case work services; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Notes

*Please be sure to attach your resume with your application*

• Starting salary: $48,185.54 plus benefits through the City of Alexandria
• Grant-funded position
• Criminal background check and thorough references 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
• NO PHONE INQUIRIES