Child Victim Advocate & Court Support Specialist

Plymouth County District Attorney's Office; Brockton (MA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office seeks a Child Abuse Advocate to support victims, witnesses and families through the court process. VWAs coordinate crisis intervention, information, referrals, and advocacy, with duties including SAIN interviews and active caseload management for children who are victimized or witness trauma.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in victim services or related field, experience in trauma and safety planning, and strong written/oral communication.

Qualifications

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in victim services, criminal justice system, or related social service field.
• Experience in child abuse, trauma, crisis intervention, case management, and safety planning.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well in a high-pressure environment with multiple deadlines.
• A sincere interest in the public sector, the work of the PCDAO, an overall understanding of the Criminal Justice System.

Responsibilities

• Attend SAIN interviews at the Children’s Advocacy Center.
• Orient and explain to victims, witnesses, and family members the court process and their rights throughout that process.
• Court accompaniment for victims, witnesses, and family members.
• Crisis intervention for victims, witnesses, and family members who are in need as a result of their victimization.
• Provide written and verbal notification to victims and witnesses regarding arrests, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, hearings, grand jury appearances, trials, defaults, dispositions, restitution hearings, sentencing, and appellate proceedings.
• Assess and evaluate victim needs and assist with referrals for appropriate services such as: community resources (housing, education, job training programs), emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocation; assistance with Victim Compensation applications; bail notification, etc.
• Provide formal and informal education and training to criminal justice and community agencies regarding victim rights and victim witness services.
• Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team throughout investigation and all court proceedings.
• Safety plan with victims and families.
• Build and maintain relationships with agencies and resources that support victims.
• Attend required training and other trainings relevant to Office functions.
• Attend required supervision and staff meetings regularly.
• Become familiar with and follow the provisions of the Office Personnel Policies.
• Become familiar and model conformance with the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Exercise respectful and professional behavior and communication with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel, and office staff.
• Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate and efficient manner.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Discretion/confidentiality

Teamwork

Ability to work under pressure

Criminal justice knowledge

Public sector interest

Education

Bachelor's degree in victim services or related field

Job description

The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office seeks a Child Abuse Advocate to support victims, witnesses and families through the court process. VWAs coordinate crisis intervention, information, referrals, and advocacy, with duties including SAIN interviews and active caseload management for children who are victimized or witness trauma.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in victim services or related field, experience in trauma and safety planning, and strong written/oral communication.