Victim Witness Advocate

ABOUT THE ORLEANS PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE (OPDA):

Jason Rogers Williams took office as the Orleans Parish District Attorney on January 11, 2021, and is building a 21st century prosecutors' office with a team of the best and brightest from around the country and a mission of being as smart on crime as the office has historically been tough on crime. It is the mission of OPDA to increase public safety through the ethical, consistent, and zealous enforcement of the law.

Victim Advocates are trained to support victims and survivors of crime. Advocates serve as liaisons between victims and witnesses and the criminal court. The advocate advises the victim as to how the criminal justice system works through its processes. Advocates offer emotional support, victims' rights information, help in finding needed resources, and assistance in filling out crime victim related forms. Advocates are responsible for accompanying victims and their family members to court hearings. Advocates work with other organizations, such as counseling agencies and social service providers, to get help or information for the victims we serve.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Ensure that victims/witnesses are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity and that the rights as provided by Louisiana law are honored and protected.
• Coordinate with ADAs to identify and assist crime victims/witnesses.
• Serve to prepare victims/witnesses for court proceedings and attend court hearings.
• Establish and promote better communication between the juvenile justice system and the victims/witnesses.
• Inform the victims/witnesses of the rights provided to them by Louisiana Law.
• Provide the victim/witness correct and timely information regarding the judicial process, case status and case outcome.
• Provide direct services to victims/witnesses
• Conduct individual needs assessment.
• Provide crisis intervention services to victims/witnesses.
• Provide case management, including referral and follow-up to programs that support crime victims and witnesses, and provide any needed services.
• Assist client with Crime Victims Reparations (CVR) applications.
• Assist in the victim's/witness's registration for the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS), and Department of Corrections (DOC release information).
• Provide explanation and notification of court proceedings.

Coordinate meetings with victims/witnesses and ADAs to determine the following:

• Facts of the case
• Whether the victim is requesting restitution
• Discuss plea negotiations
• Provide for safety planning and relocation when needed.
• Complete documentation on all case contacts.
• Attend regular case review meetings with Chief of Victim Witness Unit.
• Attend yearly continuing education trainings.
• Engage in community outreach and educating on crime prevention.
• Perform other duties as needed

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

Licensed Counselor or Master of Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, or other mental health field required

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail for orderly recordkeeping and systematic tracking of cases

Skills in direct service delivery, public relations, and strategic planning

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Passion for and understanding of criminal justice reform

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary commensurate with experience. New hires may be eligible for:

Enrollment in the City of New Orleans health insurance plan

6.44 hours of sick leave and no fewer than 6.44 hours of vacation leave per month (6.44 hours per month = approximately 10 days per year)

Enrollment in the New Orleans Municipal Employees' Retirement System

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

A generous paid holiday schedule

EEO STATEMENT:

OPDA is an equal opportunity employer. The office values a diverse workforce and management reflective of the communities that it serves. OPDA adheres to a policy of making employment, promotion, and other personnel decisions without regard to race, culture, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, caregiver status, citizenship, age, or disability, or other legally protected status

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION:

OPDA is dedicated to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that OPDA employees invest in their work represents a significant part of the office's culture, reputation, and achievement. OPDA embraces and encourages employees' differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make its employees unique.