What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim Witness Advocate position at Cape & Islands DA Office?
The Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office serves all of the people of the Cape and Islands with offices in Barnstable, Orleans, Falmouth, Edgartown and Nantucket. We are seeking a full-time Victim Witness Advocate to work Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. This is an in-person position and prior experience is preferred but not required.
The Victim Witness Advocate coordinates with Assistant District Attorneys, investigators, support service providers, and criminal justice system personnel to ensure that victims receive the rights established in the Victim Bill of Rights. They determine and assess the necessary support needs of victims and serve as their main point of contact throughout the criminal justice process.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate with Assistant District Attorneys, investigators, support service providers, and criminal justice system personnel to ensure that victims receive the rights established in the Victim Bill of Rights.
- Respond to victim/witness inquiries, assess needs, and determine necessary support resources.
- Provide crisis intervention and support service referrals to other state and community agencies, advocating on behalf of victims and providing information on investigation/prosecution updates, schedule changes, and substantive case information.
- Provide emotional support and information about the criminal court process in the event of a criminal prosecution and provide consistent updates to families.
- Provide written and verbal notification to victims and witnesses regarding arrests, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, hearings, grand jury appearances, trials, defaults, dispositions, restitution hearings, sentencing, and appellate proceedings.
- Provide in-court support during hearings and trials, explaining to victims, witnesses, and family members the court process and their rights throughout that process.
- Maintain an assigned caseload.
- Build and maintain relationships with agencies and resources that support victims.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in victim services, criminal justice system, or related social service field preferred.
- At least three years of related experience preferred.
- Experience in trauma, crisis intervention, case management, and safety planning preferred.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and workplace etiquette.
- Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
