What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advocate - Victim Witness Specialist position at St. Clair County (IL)?
JOB
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant-funded Victim Witness Specialist provides services to victims and witnesses involved in the Criminal Justice System. Coordinates and conducts initial assessment interviews with victims and witnesses of domestic violence and other cases. Documents the reaction of the victim and the trauma and impact associated with the crime; prepares recommendation to aid prosecutors in determining the viability of prosecution; and familiarizes victims and witnesses with the legal process in an effort to clarify options and minimize anxiety. Provides victims with information about appropriate community resources for counseling, health and protective services, and Crime Victim's Compensation. Responsible for follow-up or continual contact with victims and witnesses as needed. Works closely with local Police Departments, Circuit Court, and private or non-profit services related to domestic violence and sexual assault. Provides support for prosecutions in Circuit Court.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Provide crime victims with information regarding crime victims' rights as identified by Illinois Statue, such as notification, participation, reparations, and restitution.Offer assistance from the time of the charging decision, which may include crisis intervention, and maintain communication with victims to provide accurate and timely information on cases.Facilitate crime victims' understanding and acceptance of the criminal justice process.Makes direct contact with victims and witnesses of domestic violence and other crimes to provide support, referral, and comprehensive information regarding victim's rights, available options, community resources and the legal system. Maintains ongoing contact with victims and witnesses in order to provide information. Assists in planning for their attendance at court hearings and assists in their preparation as witnesses. Explains process of criminal prosecution to victims. Attends court as necessary.Conducts victim assessment interviews to collect and analyze the information involving the immediate crime and any prior history of domestic violence. Effectively documentsobservations and recommendations for further reference, preparing and maintainingintake forms and activity logs. Makes recommendations that are reviewed and utilized byprosecutors when assessing the ability of victims and witnesses to assist in theprosecution.Assist victims with restitution paperwork, victim impact statements and other forms of filings as needed.Assist victims in participating in court hearings for requested Orders of Protection (OP) and Stalking/No Contact Orders.Prepares correspondence and/or reports, tracks cases and uses a computer database toobtain, collect and evaluate information.Engages in ongoing reading, research and professional networking to keep up with legal developments and available community resources pertinent to area of assignment.Prepares subpoenas for trial, forwards subpoenas to St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department Deputies for service, notifies witnesses of change or cancellation of court date.Prepare all required VAWA grant reports and correspondence and submit to appropriate State and Federal agencies on a timely basis.Participate in monthly Multi-Discipline Team (MDT) meetings and projects to partner with other community agencies in sponsored events.Attend community meetings and events with the purpose of educating the public and providing information about available services. Coordinates activities of the State’s Attorney's Office related to domestic violence identification and prevention and serves on committees to combat domestic violence and sexual assault within the community.Attend trainings on law updates and keep up to date on best practices in services provided for victims.Coordinates felony case file reviews with assigned prosecutors and applicable law enforcement agencies.Utilizes computer software and applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and have familiarity with case management systems, to prepare letters, documents and graphics to revise drafts and charts into business quality formats; and to compose letters.Work regular and reliable scheduled work hours and outside regular hours as necessary.Maintain positive professional working relationships with all staff levels, other jurisdictions and outside agencies, and the general public.Perform essential position duties and responsibilities under the working conditions and physical demands described herein.Provide effective and respectful communication and interaction with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers.Perform other related functions as needed or assigned.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant-funded Victim Witness Specialist provides services to victims and witnesses involved in the Criminal Justice System. Coordinates and conducts initial assessment interviews with victims and witnesses of domestic violence and other cases. Documents the reaction of the victim and the trauma and impact associated with the crime; prepares recommendation to aid prosecutors in determining the viability of prosecution; and familiarizes victims and witnesses with the legal process in an effort to clarify options and minimize anxiety. Provides victims with information about appropriate community resources for counseling, health and protective services, and Crime Victim's Compensation. Responsible for follow-up or continual contact with victims and witnesses as needed. Works closely with local Police Departments, Circuit Court, and private or non-profit services related to domestic violence and sexual assault. Provides support for prosecutions in Circuit Court.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Provide crime victims with information regarding crime victims' rights as identified by Illinois Statue, such as notification, participation, reparations, and restitution.Offer assistance from the time of the charging decision, which may include crisis intervention, and maintain communication with victims to provide accurate and timely information on cases.Facilitate crime victims' understanding and acceptance of the criminal justice process.Makes direct contact with victims and witnesses of domestic violence and other crimes to provide support, referral, and comprehensive information regarding victim's rights, available options, community resources and the legal system. Maintains ongoing contact with victims and witnesses in order to provide information. Assists in planning for their attendance at court hearings and assists in their preparation as witnesses. Explains process of criminal prosecution to victims. Attends court as necessary.Conducts victim assessment interviews to collect and analyze the information involving the immediate crime and any prior history of domestic violence. Effectively documentsobservations and recommendations for further reference, preparing and maintainingintake forms and activity logs. Makes recommendations that are reviewed and utilized byprosecutors when assessing the ability of victims and witnesses to assist in theprosecution.Assist victims with restitution paperwork, victim impact statements and other forms of filings as needed.Assist victims in participating in court hearings for requested Orders of Protection (OP) and Stalking/No Contact Orders.Prepares correspondence and/or reports, tracks cases and uses a computer database toobtain, collect and evaluate information.Engages in ongoing reading, research and professional networking to keep up with legal developments and available community resources pertinent to area of assignment.Prepares subpoenas for trial, forwards subpoenas to St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department Deputies for service, notifies witnesses of change or cancellation of court date.Prepare all required VAWA grant reports and correspondence and submit to appropriate State and Federal agencies on a timely basis.Participate in monthly Multi-Discipline Team (MDT) meetings and projects to partner with other community agencies in sponsored events.Attend community meetings and events with the purpose of educating the public and providing information about available services. Coordinates activities of the State’s Attorney's Office related to domestic violence identification and prevention and serves on committees to combat domestic violence and sexual assault within the community.Attend trainings on law updates and keep up to date on best practices in services provided for victims.Coordinates felony case file reviews with assigned prosecutors and applicable law enforcement agencies.Utilizes computer software and applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and have familiarity with case management systems, to prepare letters, documents and graphics to revise drafts and charts into business quality formats; and to compose letters.Work regular and reliable scheduled work hours and outside regular hours as necessary.Maintain positive professional working relationships with all staff levels, other jurisdictions and outside agencies, and the general public.Perform essential position duties and responsibilities under the working conditions and physical demands described herein.Provide effective and respectful communication and interaction with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers.Perform other related functions as needed or assigned.
