VICTIM WITNESS ADVOCATE

**APPLY NOW! POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED.** **FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE ON JULY 30TH** ***This advocate position is primarily based at our Child Advocacy Center and works under the Child Advocacy grant. Funding is guaranteed through 3/31/2027, and we will be reapplying for this grant to continue past that date.*** Under general supervision, plans, coordinates, and assists in the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Victim Advocate program; advocates and coordinates rights and benefits for crime victims during the various stages of follow-up to the crime; facilitates communication among agencies concerned with the investigation of criminal cases involving victims; coordinates and facilitates victim and witness appearances in court; performs related duties as required. **SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED** Receives general supervision or direction from Victim Witness Services Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. **CLASS CHARACTERISTICS** This is a fully competent class that performs the full range of duties required to provide services within the District Attorney’s Victim Witness program, designed to reduce trauma and assist participants in coping with the personal impact of being a victim of or witness to crimes. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Victim Witness Services Supervisor in that the latter is a full supervisory class with responsibility for the program.(Illustrative Only) *Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.* - Contacts victims of crimes to provide aid, assistance or referrals to appropriate services and resources to meet their needs; informs victims of legal rights and ensures rights are protected; provides status updates to victims throughout case development. - Functions as a liaison to third parties to inform them of the crime, status, victim’s condition, and case progress; meets and confers with detectives, officers, and allied agencies regarding individual cases; arranges victim interviews with the probation department prior to pre-sentencing decisions; represents the victim to the Court. - Stays abreast of case developments by reviewing police reports, and tracking cases through the court process from filing decisions and arraignment to disposition. - Coordinates on-site advocacy at emergency rooms, police stations and other locations with a focus on non-duplicated reporting, effective and compassionate treatment, and follow-up. - Assists victims and witnesses in completing impact statements. - Provides crisis intervention and short-term and follow-up para-professional counseling to victims and witnesses of crimes to assist in reducing trauma and to facilitate adjustment. - Works with members of the victim’s primary support group to assist them in dealing with various aspects of the victim’s experiences. - Assists family members with funeral arrangements. - Provides referrals to private and public sector organizations and professionals; assists victims and witnesses in applying for aid and obtaining counseling, medical and dental care, protective services, psychiatric services, child care, food, lodging and shelter, clothing and related services; secures vouchers as needed. - Assesses eligibility and assists victims in obtaining compensation and restitution; assists in preparing claims; intervenes for victims with creditors, claim authorities and others as appropriate. - Prepares case records, reports, and correspondence. - Accompanies victims to court proceedings, meetings, and interviews with law enforcement and/or attorneys; explains court procedures and terms; provides court tours…