What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bilingual VRA Victim Advocate position at Adams County Colorado?
What Success Looks Like In This Job
Victim Advocate Specialists deliver statutorily mandated and supportive services to victims and witnesses of crime throughout the prosecution of criminal cases.The position provides direct services to victims and witnesses of crime that include offering information about victim’s rights, critical event notification, emotional support, information and referralassistance to community-based victim service agencies, and other criminal justice related services that support witnesses and aid victims of crime in their efforts towards recovery. Victim Advocate Specialists support the mission of the District Attorney’s Office to protect the community and make the criminal justice system better.
This particular position has been established to provide assistance and support to mono-Spanish speaking victims and witnesses of Victim Rights Act (VRA) crimes filed for prosecution with the District Attorney's Office in the 17th Judicial District in ALL court divisions.
Examples of Duties for Success
A. Support, information and assistance to mono-Spanish speaking victims/witnesses in all court divisions.
1. Provide information regarding the functions and role of the Victim Witness Services Unit in the District Attorney's office and of victims' rights as set forth in Colorado statutes.
2. Provide practical explanation of Adams County district, county and juvenile court procedures to victims and witnesses. This includes general criminal justice process and definition of legal terminology.
3. Provide information about possible physical, mental and emotional reactions to involvement in criminal justice system and provide necessary support to enable them to participate in the prosecution of their case.
4. Assess and identify needs of victims / witnesses that may prohibit or inhibit their ability to be present and heard for scheduled court hearings. This may include but not be limited to childcare, transportation and translation services. Assist victims/witnesses in finding applicable solutions that will meet these needs and/or provide appropriate referrals.
5. Provide courtroom orientation to victims and witnesses. This may be in person or by telephone, and includes scheduling and conducting Court School sessions.
6. Accompany victims and witnesses to and from the court room for scheduled court hearings as requested or as determined is needed.
7. Assess, identify and respond to victims/witnesses concerns regarding the level of protection available in response to specific to acts or threats of intimidation, harassment or retaliation arising from their cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution efforts. This may be done in person or by telephone.
8. Intercede with the employer of a victim / witness in order to minimize the loss of employment, pay or other benefits resulting from their court appearances when appropriate and/or when requested by the victim/witness or deputy district attorney.
9. Provide information about allocution procedures, both oral and written, to victims/witnesses. Ensure that a victim, and /or victim's immediate family members, receive a blank Victim Impact Statement form prior to a scheduled sentencing hearing; assist in completing the form if requested. Ensure that the victim and victim's immediate family are aware of the defendant's right to view a completed Victim Impact Statement, and provide information regarding a victim's right to view the defendant's pre-sentence investigative report. Ensure the victim and victim's immediate family have the address and telephone number of the probation office or Intervention.
10. Screen incoming Victim Impact Statement forms for appropriate compensation referrals, restitution requests, concerns and/or questions expressed. Conduct follow up with person submitting the Victim Impact Statement to respond to concerns and/or questions.
11. Provide appropriate referral information to victims / witnesses regarding the expeditious return of their property that has been held for evidentiary purposes by the prosecution.
- Provide referrals to and information regarding the availability of crisis intervention services, victim compensation funds, victim assistance resources, legal resources, mental health services, social services, medical resources, rehabilitative services and financial assistance services including what the application process for such services.
- Facilitate timely review of UVISA applications by elected District Attorney, including victim notification and verification of criminal case status.
B. Information, assistance and support to deputy district attorneys in all court divisions in cases involving mono-Spanish speaking victims and witnesses.
1. Facilitate the management of victims and witnesses to courtrooms for scheduled court hearings in all court divisions.
2. Monitor the daily docket list of subpoenaed witnesses to ensure their timely appearance in court as needed by the deputy district attorneys.
3. Communicate consistently and accurately with deputy district attorneys the whereabouts, concerns, actual or anticipated problems of victims and witnesses.4. Provide on-site subpoena service to victims and witnesses for scheduled court hearings at the request of a deputy district attorney.
C. Notification services to mono-Spanish speaking victims and witnesses in all court divisions.
1. Initiate and respond to in person, telephone and written contact with victims and witnesses to provide factual and accurate case related information, i.e. on/call, call/off, case status, case disposition, scheduled court hearings and hearing outcomes. This is done in a timely, accurate and courteous manner.
2. Document any changes in victim or witness address or telephone number in ACTION.
D. Active participation as team member in the Victim Witness Services Unit.
1. Work together with other Unit victim advocates and other personnel in the witness management of all district, juvenile and county court division cases as needed to ensure coverage of scheduled court hearings, victim/witness check-in and victim/witness court accompaniment.
2. Consistently act in a manner that builds trust, mutual respect and cooperation in relationships with other members of the Unit.
3. Coordinate attendance with other Unit victim advocates to weekly district, county court and juvenile division meetings as scheduled.
- Regularly attend and contribute to Unit meetings.
- Timely and appropriately identify and respond to requests or needs for assistance in the provision of Unit services.
E. Other duties as assigned.
1. Maintain statistical data regarding Unit services. Submit statistical data in a monthly format for Victim Witness Services Unit Director.
- Maintain and compiles documentation necessary to track mandated court costs.
To be successful, our ideal candidate should have the following knowledge, skills and abilities
- Demonstrable ability to proficiently speak, write and read the Spanish language; particular emphasis on knowledge of terms used in the criminal justice system and resources available for mono-Spanish speaking crime victims.
- Minimum of two (2) years experience of demonstrable competency in all areas or required knowledge skills and abilities of the Victim Witness Services Unit Assistant position description.
- Thorough knowledge of criminal justice system and procedures specific to Adams and Broomfield Counties demonstrated by the ability to provide practical information regarding district, county and juvenile criminal court procedures; conduct basic courtroom orientation; and explain legal terminology in a clear and understandable manner to victims and witnesses. Accurately communicates procedures necessary for victims and witnesses to obtain witness and mileage fees and expert witness fees. Articulates concisely and fully the functions and role of Victim Witness Services Unit of the District Attorney's office.
- Comprehensive knowledge of victims' rights as set forth by Colorado statutes demonstrated through assisting victims in the completion of a Victim Impact Statement; supporting and assisting a victim giving an oral presentation of a Victim Impact Statement at a sentencing hearing; appropriate referral to the Crime Victim Compensation program, including assisting a victim to complete of application; interceding with employers regarding court appearances; providing information, support and assistance to victims/witnesses in instances of harassment, intimidation or threats.
- Awareness of services available to victims/ witnesses of crime in both counties, i.e. social services, law enforcement victim assistance, community mental health routinely demonstrated by making and following through with appropriate referrals.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of criminal victimization including consideration of the potential emotional, psychological and physical needs victims / witnesses may experience as participants in the criminal justice process in all interactions with victims / witnesses. Reflect and communicate a basic understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and the relevance to victim assistance work in contact with deputy district attorneys, court personnel and victims/witnesses.
- Complete all responsibilities assigned and necessary tasks accurately and in a timely manner, with limited direct supervision. Decisions reflect use of available facts, common sense, professional knowledge and experience.
- Establish and maintain productive and positive working relationships with deputy district attorneys, other District Attorney office personnel, criminal justice system personnel and general public.
- Consistently communicate and coordinate efforts with other Unit members that best serve the needs of victims/witnesses and facilitate efficient Trial Support Center operations.
- Maintain composure when dealing with difficult or emotional people, demonstrating the ability to listen and respond professionally.
- Keep confidential matters confidential and demonstrate ethical use of skills and knowledge privy to through employment.
- Adapts readily to changes in work environment; competently multi-tasks as circumstances dictate.
Qualifications for Success
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field.
- Experience: Minimum of two (2) years experience of demonstrable competency in all areas or required knowledge skills in abilities of the Victim Witness Services Unit Assistant position description.
- Certificate: NOVA and/or COVA Advocate certification preferred.
- Other: Demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading and writing the Spanish language.
To be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume MUST be attached to the application.
Note: This is a regular full-time position for 40 hrs per week. Full or partial funding for this position is subject to the availability of grant funds. Positions funded by external grants may be subject to termination if the grant funding ceases. Positions funded by external grants will be reviewed by the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office for viability in the absence of grant funds.
Salary : $59,424 - $83,194
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