Victim Witness Field Coordinator

The Victim/Witness Field Coordinators will work within the District Attorney’s Office and assist victims and witnesses in navigating through the judicial system of Mercer County at preliminary hearings in adult court. The coordinators provide vital information to Judges, the District Attorney, and Assistant District Attorneys to ensure victims are included, and their voices are heard at the preliminary hearing stage. These positions are a link to assure that victims of crime receive their mandated rights and are crucial to restoring victims to where they were before the crime occurred.

• High level of understanding of Pennsylvania’s Consolidated Victim Service Program Standards
• Familiarity with The Pennsylvania Bill of Rights for Victims, Act 111 and the Crime Victims Act, 18 P.S. 11.101-11.5102
• Thorough knowledge and strict adherence to the Pennsylvania Code of Ethics for Victim Services
• Familiarity with Act 84 of Title 42 regarding Pennsylvania restitution laws
• Ability to speak calmly and confidently to convey information to victims, witnesses, police officers, defense attorneys, and others in person and on the phone, who may be emotional and adversarial
• High level of organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under strict legal time constraints
• Technical knowledge of personal computer operations including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Windows, and ability to learn software such as CPCMS, PMS and INFOCON
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential environment
• High level of communication and interpersonal skills allowing for effective interaction with judges, attorneys, police officers, other County agencies, crime victims, witnesses, experts at hospitals and crime labs
• Ability to comprehend various insurance company statements and documents in order to assist with restitution calculations
• Ability to assist victims with Victims Compensation Assistance Program claim forms
• Ability to assist victims with SAVIN, the State Automated Victim Notification System
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to interview and elicit information from individuals in a non-threatening, calm and authoritative manner
• PA Child Abuse Clearances are required
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel in-county

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• Performs victim advocacy work in accordance with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Victim Rights and Services Act, which mandates the notification and participation in the criminal justice system for victims of crime and their families
• Inform victims of their rights, and the options they have on choosing whether to participate in court proceedings
• Instruct victims on courtroom procedures, processes, and in deciphering outcomes, both by telephone and personal contact
• Assist victims in preparing Victim Impact Statements (VIS) for sentencing court
• Provide court accompaniment for victims to preliminary hearings, as well as accompaniment to briefings by the District Attorney and police
• Notify eligible victims of their opportunity to file claims with the Victims Compensation Assistance Board, and assist them in gathering all documentation needed in order to file an on-line claim; this requires the coordinators to have specific training in the DAVE system
• Assess the danger factor (both emotionally and physically) for victims, and recommend both short-term and long-term solutions
• Inform and encourage victims to register with PA-SAVIN, for jail release notification
• Familiarity with all other Mercer County Human Service Agencies, and the services they provide, in order to make appropriate referrals
• Keep accurate statistics of number of victims and all services provided, to satisfy Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant requirements

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A four year Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree (Paralegal) or above and a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a legal or human services setting, or a combination of the above

Ability to attend and complete the Victim Witness Assistance Academy within 6 months of hire

Requires a minimum of 10 hours continuing education annually, per PCCD

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $19.47 per hour

Schedule:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19