What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim-Witness Assistant position at County of Chisago?
Closing Date: April 13, 2025
$25.31 to $33.34 DOQ
POSITION TITLE:
Victim-Witness Assistant
DEPARTMENT:
County Attorney’s Office
POSITION STATUS:
Full-time, Permanent, Union, occasionally requires evenings and/or off-hour work assignments
REPORTS TO:
Office Manager
JOB LOCATION:
Chisago County Attorney’s Office
POSITION OBJECTIVE:
To provide support to the Victim-Witness Coordinator including written and oral communication with victims of crime, record-keeping and file control relating to victims served by the Victim-Witness Program, and support for attorneys. Day-to-day duties include preparing written notification for victims, communicating by phone or in-person with crime victims regarding victim rights and status of their cases, and meeting with victims and attorneys.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
The employee is under the supervision of the Office Manager while receiving direction from the Victim-Witness Coordinator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
No direct supervisory duties.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prepares and composes routine correspondence to victims and witnesses within required time frames.
Assists the Victim-Witness Coordinator in contacting victims in writing, via phone and/or e-mail with timely information regarding victim rights and or updates related to criminal proceedings.
Assists the Victim-Witness Coordinator in scheduling and attending meetings with crime victims and witnesses.
Assists the Victim Witness Coordinator in community outreach and education.
Organizes, collects, and analyzes statistical data on victims served in Chisago County.
Assists with receptionist duties for the County Attorney’s Office, including but not limited to responding to visitors to the office, answering and directing telephone calls, noting staff presence and/or availability.
Processes and directs mail and other written communication, and other tasks as assigned to aid in the overall operations of the County Attorney’s Office.
Assists with the miscellaneous correspondence specific to the Victim-Witness Assistance Program.
Prepares brochures sent to victims with the initial Victim Impact Statement packet.
Receives the public and answers general questions related to victim rights; responds to inquiries from county employees, outside agencies, attorneys, and the public for the purpose of responding to Victim rights.
Performs related clerical duties, as assigned.
Operates office equipment, including computer, facsimile machine, copiers, computer, and phone system.
Assists Victim-Witness Coordinator with victim services, including, but not limited to, escorting victims to court hearings, answering general questions from the public about the criminal justice system and gathering and presenting statistical information.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent; advanced education (associate or bachelor’s degree) preferred.
- One year experience in providing office support.
Special Requirements:
- Ability to type 50 w.p.m.
- Good hand/eye coordination and finger dexterity
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Exceptional communication skills.
- Proficient in the use of grammar, spelling, sentence structure, legal terminology to detect and correct written work.
- Proficient in the operation of computer word processing.
- Ability to recognize, handle with discretion, and work with confidential information.
- Ability to independently organize and coordinate workflow and prioritize work to meet strict deadlines.
- Ability to work with strict deadlines, stressful subject matter, and distressed individuals.
- Working knowledge of Minnesota Data Practices Act regarding release of information.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deal with members of the public who are often confused, angry, and/or demanding.
- Skilled in operation of office equipment listed.
- Knowledge of county office and its functions and responsibilities.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
The Victim-Witness Assistant position requires use of a personal computer, dictation equipment, typewriter; telephone, copy machine; facsimile machine and calculator.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit at a desk for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; operate office equipment; hear, see, and talk; handle or feel objects requiring finger dexterity and/or hand/eye coordination, and frequently walking, standing, bending, or carrying light items.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee is frequently working under stressful conditions due to time limitations imposed.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Periodically exposed to hostile threatening, and potentially violent individuals.
GENERAL STATEMENT:
Applicants for appointment to this position will be required to submit a formal application and may be subject to rating of education, experience, oral interview and/or reference check. Job related tests may be required of any applicant.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations or the various types of work that may be performed. The omission or specific statements of duties does not include them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
This job description does not constitute and employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Salary : $25 - $33
