What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim Advocate Specialist position at Adams County?
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.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Victim AdvocacyInform 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.Court and Legal Process AssistanceConduct 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.Case Management and ReferralsScreen 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.Administrative and Front Desk DutiesAssist 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. To be successful, our ideal candidate should have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 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 proceduresAbility 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.
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.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Victim AdvocacyInform 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.Court and Legal Process AssistanceConduct 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.Case Management and ReferralsScreen 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.Administrative and Front Desk DutiesAssist 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. To be successful, our ideal candidate should have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 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 proceduresAbility 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.
