Victim Witness Advocate

This position will work closely with victims and/or witnesses in misdemeanor cases to guide them through the criminal justice system. The Victim Witness Advocate serves as liaison between victims/witnesses and attorneys within the office.

This job is a safety sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Barrow County Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace.

• Responsibilities include:
  • Coordinate efforts to serve victims of crimes to put in place and maintain victim notification procedures from the time of the offenders arrest through the resolution of the case.
  • Notifies victims of applicable procedures in the criminal justice system concerning the Victim Bill of Rights, including the procurement and conveyance of victim impact statements.
  • Correspond with victims and witnesses by telephone and mail; schedules conferences; obtains statements, medical release forms, or other evidence; updates victims on the status of the case; discusses bond conditions and sentence recommendations; and notifies victims of pending court dates and outcomes.
  • Assists victims with restitution/compensation claims and the Georgia Crime Victim Compensation Program Application in cases where they may need assistance with funeral expenses, medical bills, counseling, etc.
  • Provides referral information and assistance to victims regarding counseling services, emergency shelters, area support groups for victims, and other resources.
  • Enters data regarding victim services, as required, into the Tracker case management system regarding victim contact and services provided.
  • Attends weekly court proceedings and assists attorneys and victims/witnesses in court as needed. Court-appropriate dress is required.
  • Activates and closes the grant each year; prepares quarterly and semiannual reports; attends Grant Directors' meetings, training, orientations, and assemblies; and completes other yearly grant requirements, such as background checks, courses, and certifications.
  • Attends the Georgia Victim Witness Assistance Program Conference (VWAP) annually along with any other applicable trainings as needed;
  • Performs other assigned duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated or equal to an undergraduate degree in fields of study such as criminal justice, human services, social work, psychology, paralegal studies or other related fields, as well as advanced administrative assistant and organizational skills.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the program and the workings of the criminal justice system.
• Ability to work with and provide services to individuals of all backgrounds and cultures, as well as the ability to work well with and at the direction of the Solicitor-General.
• Ability to work with various agency representatives to coordinate services, including law enforcement agencies, community representatives, and court officials.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as computer and telephone skills, are necessary, including knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Superior customer service skills, positive attitude, personal responsibility and a strong sense of responsibility to the community at large is preferred.
• All candidates are subject to a background check. Applicants selected for hire will be subject to fingerprinting, a criminal history background check, a motor vehicle drivers history check and pre-employment drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the completion and satisfactory results of each investigation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in the field of study of criminal justice, human services, social work, psychology, sociology, paralegal studies, or other related fields.
• Two (2) years of related work experience, or equivalent training, education, and/or experience.
• Valid State of Georgia Drivers License.

Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an office and in a courtroom, sometimes for long periods. Intermittent sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting of light objects are necessary functions of the position.