Victim Advocate

DUTIES:

• Supports crime victims and prosecution witnesses by providing services in accordance with policy and the Victim's Rights Statute.
• Informs victims of their rights and the Court process.
• Offers resources, referrals, and crisis intervention; helps identify emergency funding and connects victims to counseling or other needed services.
• Maintains communication with victims to advise of case progress and helps ensure their involvement in continuances, dismissals, sentencing, and restitution.
• Contacts witnesses in criminal matters and coordinates their appearance for interviews and testimony.
• Solicits impact statements for sentencing, and advocates for victims with courts, employers, creditors, and landlords.
• Interacts with Court personnel such as judges, attorneys and probation officers concerning victim's desires regarding restitution and provisions.
• This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, social work, sociology, or related field and a minimum of one year of experience in a criminal justice agency or victim's assistance program;
OR
Associate degree in criminal justice and a minimum of three years of experience in a criminal justice agency or victim's assistance program;
OR
High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of five years of experience in a criminal justice agency or victim's assistance program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license throughout the course of employment.
• Candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment physical, including drug testing prior to employment.
• A background check will be performed, and employees will be fingerprinted.

TO APPLY ONLINE, CLICK HERE:

TO APPLY VIA EMAIL, FAX, MAIL OR IN PERSON:

If you prefer not to apply online, you may download a Berrien County Job Application and send it to our Personnel Department via email, fax, mail or in person. A Berrien County job application must be submitted in order to be considered for employment.

Submit by Email
Fax: (269) 983-5788
Address: Berrien County Administration Building, Personnel Department, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085