What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim Witness Advocate position at Kennebec County?
Overview
The Victim Advocate plays a crucial role in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma or victimization. This position involves providing emotional support, guidance, and resources to victims, particularly in cases involving children and families.
KEY EXPECTED RESULTS:
- Assists the District Attorney’s office by receiving, reviewing and when relevant, assign DHS referrals for criminal investigation.
- Assists victims and witnesses by contacting, interviewing and keeping victims, witnesses and families informed and involved in the Court process.
- Assists victims and witnesses by scheduling appointments for pre-trial conferences, accompany victims and witnesses to pre-trial conferences and court appearances.
- Assists victims by referring them to other service providers.
- Assist law enforcement officers with interviewing victims and assisting with investigation of cases.
- Maintains files by entering data regarding DHS referrals and Victim Advocate Memorandums into computer and maintaining files on cases.
- Serves as a liaison between law enforcement, District Attorney’s office, service provider agencies and victims of crimes.
- Assists victims and families by providing advocacy and support to crime victims and families.
- Assists the families by preparing and submitting Victim Impact Statements to the court.
- Assists law enforcement and victims by being on call.
- Assists the District Attorney’s office by providing training as necessary regarding the role of the Victim Advocate in the criminal justice system.
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed.
- Supports the County’s safety and health policies by attending required safety training programs; reporting all accidents and suspected safety hazards to supervisor.
- Fulfills job function by participating as an active member of training; participating on county task forces and performing other responsibilities as assigned.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by the Incumbent 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 regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and use hands to finger a standard computer keyboard.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Usual Office conditions. Noise level is usually quiet.
REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS NEEDED FOR POSITION:
- Ability and personality that relates well to people
- High School Diploma
- Goal oriented, self-starter, and ambitious
- Ability to work in a fast paced, sometimes stressful environment while maintaining composure and decorum
- Good organization and time management skills
EXPERIENCE:
- Prior advocacy, legal, law enforcement or social services experience preferred.
- Computer experience
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $19.53 - $22.99 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $23
