What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim Advocate Specialist VRA Bilingual position at Adams County Colorado?
What Success Looks Like In This Job
The mission of the District Attorney’s Office is to keep the community safe and to make the criminal justice system better through the fair and ethical prosecution of criminal offenders, while seeking justice for victims of crime. Victim Advocate Specialists deliver statutorily mandated and supportive services to victims and witnesses of crime throughout the prosecution of criminal cases.
Victim advocate specialists provide direct services to victims and witnesses of crime that include offering information about victim’s rights, critical event notification, emotional support, information and referral assistance 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.
This specialist position assists and supports 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
Victim Advocacy
- Inform victims of their rights as per Colorado statutes and the role of the Victim Witness Services Unit.
- Offer practical explanations of court processes, criminal justice procedures, and legal terminology specific to district, county, and juvenile courts.
- Educate victims on potential emotional, mental, and physical reactions to their involvement in the criminal justice system, providing necessary support for participation.
- Communicate consistently with victims on all cases and maintain appropriate documentation. Identify and address barriers such as childcare, transportation, or language needs, providing solutions or referrals.
- Conduct courtroom orientations and accompany victims to court hearings as requested or deemed necessary. Provide information on procedures, victim impact statements, and sentencing processes. Assist victims in completing forms and understanding their rights.
- Screen victim impact statements for restitution requests, compensation referrals, and other concerns, conducting necessary follow-ups. Provide referrals to resources including victim compensation funds, mental health services, social services, medical resources, and financial assistance programs.
- Assist with answering calls, updating staff on victim and witness check-ins, and supporting the front desk as needed. Maintain accurate records and documentation of interactions with victims.
- Maintain statistical data regarding Unit services. Submit statistical data in a monthly format to Victim Witness Services Unit Director.
- Provide support to victims by assuring they receive culturally specialized services, to help alleviate the cultural and linguistic barriers that bar victims from navigating the criminal justice system. Frequently serve as a consecutive interpreter between victims and members of the District Attorney’s Office.
- Ability to maintain a calm demeanor with victims/witnesses and with staff.
- Ability to provide warmth and human connection to victims and witnesses.
- Ability to work within a fast-paced environment with flexibility; meets deadlines and accept direction on given assignments.
- Ability to establish and fulfill goals and objectives.
- Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in an environment of changing and/or multiple priorities.
- Ability to work effectively and in a timely manner when faced with a high volume of work, multiple deadlines, and frequent interruptions.
- Ability to manage staff caseload and work assignments.
- Ability to manage sensitive information in a confidential and professional manner and to handle sensitive situations with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
- Possesses strong organizational skill, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and can prioritize and manage multiple projects.
- Working knowledge of Colorado criminal justice system procedures
- Ability to maintain social, ethical, and organizational standards in job-related activities in the office and within the community.
- Demonstrated computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, as well as data entry, basic recordkeeping and math skills.
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: Must be fluent in Spanish and able to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking victims and witnesses.
Resume and cover letter required to be considered for this position.
The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s office serves both Adams and Broomfield Counties. As such, this position may require travel between the Broomfield office and the Brighton Office.
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.
Adams County complies with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act (“JAFA”). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.
