Certified Crime Victim's Advocate/Witness Coordinator

Job Summary
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney Certified Crime Victim’s Advocate/Witness Coordinator (CVA-WC) is responsible for implementing office procedures relating to the office’s relationships with victims and witnesses to ensure smooth, effective and efficient operation of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. The Certified Crime Victim Advocate / Witness Coordinator is the liaison between the Office, its staff, law enforcement, witnesses and victims of all crimes – the position is funded by Audrain County general revenue, and not by VAWA or domestic and sexual violence-specific funding. This position requires credentials as a Victim Advocate following industry standards, requiring advanced communication strategies and skills.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney has numerous mandates from the Statutes of Missouri, Missouri case law, and from the Missouri Constitution. Many of those obligations are related to service to victims of crimes. The cases involving victims are complex in size and scope and require a higher level of commitment to serving the needs of increasingly more demanding victims. Witness Coordination is just as important – as the physical and logistical demands of contacting lay witnesses and victims require personal contact which is difficult to provide but must be done. This position requires consistent, thorough training in trauma, advocacy, investigation, domestic assault, and working with partner agencies.

The CVA-WC reports to the Prosecuting Attorney (PA) and is assigned duties from the Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) and Investigator (INV). The duties generally include maintaining office services, including telephone and fax, constituent communications, data entry and computer skills, and file management.

In order to maintain working conditions, the CVA-WC must perform the following general responsibilities:

• Be capable and willing to spend long hours sitting or standing and using office equipment and computers, which can cause muscle strain and/or fatigue, and
• Be capable and willing to lift and move office supplies, materials and files on a daily basis, and therefore must be capable of lifting at least 40 pounds unassisted, and
• Be capable and willing to cope with constant interruptions from the telephone, personal contact with constituents and office staff, and requires a pleasant, but firm cooperative demeanor, and
• Maintain confidentiality by avoiding gossip or discussing open or closed civil or criminal cases or open or closed investigations, and
• Meeting all deadlines, and
• Interact, lead and communicate effectively with crime victims and witnesses in various degrees of distress and respond to particular needs, and
• Obtain and maintain substantial training and credentials in Victim Advocacy as recognized by NACP, NOVA, OVC TTAC, VOCA, or equivalent, and
• Organization, coordination, and compassionate communication are critical skills, and
• Perform other duties as directed by the Prosecuting Attorney for orderly daily function of the office.

CVA-WC job-specific responsibilities include the following:

A full-time Crime Victim’s Advocate/Witness Coordinator performs the following functions:

1. Crime Victim’s Advocate

• Initiate personal contact with all victims of crime as soon as possible, when possible.
• Inform victims of charging decisions and keep them informed of court procedures and the status of their individual case with compassionate, professional communications
• Consult and collaborate with attorneys and investigator regarding victim’s rights
• d. Ensure the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney conforms to all Missouri Constitutional, statutory requirements and court rules regarding victim’s rights and involvement
• Coordinate, operate and maintain PBK case management system records for victim contact, restitution, victim impact statements, statistics, and compliance
• f. Lead victims through Court proceedings, with ongoing emotional & strategic support
• Coordinate community response to crime and work with providers and organizations
• Provide information on post-trial and post-conviction activity personally to victims
• Assist the PA, APA and Investigator in interviews with victims and witnesses
• Lead victim, witness and law enforcement training on an individual and group basis following industry best practices in support of the PA Office’s mission.
• Obtain and maintain certification in Victim Advocacy as well as continuing education
• Participate in local, regional and State inter-agencies groups, such as Regional Crisis Intervention Training (CIT),
• Develop public education outreach programs for targeted populations and caseloads: Domestic Assault & Sexual Violence with emphasis in victim care, and in outreach to school and other vulnerable populations
• Represent the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in community activities and through frequent contact with attorneys, legal professionals, witnesses and victims of crime.

2. Witness Coordinator

• Assist attorneys and investigator in preparing criminal case files
• Coordinate witness attendance at hearings, trials and sentencing
• Assist Investigator in promptly notifying witnesses of hearings and trials
• Prepare & distribute subpoenas & letters notifying witnesses for hearings & trials
• Assist Office Manager and Legal Assistant with filing incidental paperwork with cases.
• Ensure consistent, thorough and up-to-date communications with witnesses using PBK
• Provide administrative work and support for the prosecution of all criminal cases.

NOTE: This list presents on the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Qualifications

• Certified Crime Victim's Advocate certification
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in social work and child welfare
• Proficiency in crisis intervention and management
• Data entry and computer skills for documentation and reporting

Audrain County is an equal opportunity employer and considers for employment and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, military service, application for military service, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.97 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Computer skills: 1 year (Required)
• Victim Advocacy: 1 year (Preferred)
• social work: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Mexico, MO 65265 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17