What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim/Witness Specialist - District Attorney's Office position at Brown County?
In accordance with Article I. Section 9m of the Wisconsin State Constitution and 1997 Wisconsin Act 181 provide direct services to crime victims and witnesses to ensure that all victims and witnesses are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy and sensitivity. These rights are also extended to family members of homicide victims and witnesses as well as parents and/or guardians of minor age crime victims.
Provides crime victims and witnesses, when possible, with court appearance notification services, including notifying them that a court proceeding to which they have been subpoenaed will not go on as scheduled.
Provides information concerning Crime Victim Compensation including assistance with completing an application process.
Provides information about social service agencies and programs which may assist a crime victim or witness to cooperate with prosecution, in addition to providing follow-up service and/or intervention and advocacy.
Provides escort to court proceedings, information about those proceedings and assistance in filing for their Witness Fee, when requested.
Provides intercession to ensure that employers of crime victims will cooperate with the criminal justice process in order to minimize an employee's loss of pay and other benefits resulting from court appearances.
Provides final disposition documentation to crime victims and witnesses including, but not limited to, material relating to parole notification, sexual offender registration, restitution and appeal.
Assists the crime victim and/or family member, upon request, in providing the court with information pertaining to the economic, physical and psychological effect of the crime upon the victim and have the information provided to the court to be considered upon sentencing.
Assists crime victims in compiling restitution verification which will be submitted to court to be considered by the sentencing judge.
Assures that any stolen or other personal property is expeditiously returned by law enforcement agencies when no longer needed as evidence or facilitate, when feasible, the appropriate return prior to the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
Composes and/or types Victim/Witness Assistance Program correspondence with respect to victim impact statements, crime victim compensation, restitution, scheduled court hearings and other services available to crime victims, witnesses and parents or guardians.
Compiles data and prepares various reports in compliance with department regulations and policies, state statutes, and constitutional law.
Keeps a calendar or record of appointments, court hearings, meetings and other related events.
Makes appointments as instructed and issues reminders.
Performs related functions as assigned.
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent, plus 2 or more years additional coursework in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology or other job related field, plus one year experience in a criminal justice, social service or community agency; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.
Knowledge of the special needs and problems of crime victims, witnesses and/or family members.
Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in the Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Systems.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of general office skills, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling and legal terminology.
Knowledge of assigned department operations, organization, terminology, policies, procedures and laws governing the department operations or ability to acquire such knowledge during a reasonable period of training.
Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software.
Ability to perform one's duties without exhibiting bias, prejudice or intolerance.
Ability to make basic arithmetic calculations.
Ability to answer inquiries effectively without judgment and maintain competence in stressful situations.
Ability to interpret legal documents for determining any required action as it relates to job function.
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of department practices as applicable.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and to organize and plan work assignments.
Ability to follow fairly complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to type at a minimum rate of 40 net words per minute.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with office attorneys, support staff, law enforcement, social service providers and the public.
Salary : $22 - $23
