Courtroom & Victim Support Advocate

Richland County; South Carolina; On-site; USD 20,664 - 28,929; Full time

Job summary

Richland County is seeking a Victim Services Advocate to support crime victims through the justice system and related work. The role involves reviewing inmate files, coordinating with court personnel and law enforcement, and providing direct victim services, including court orientation and transportation arrangements.

The candidate will inform victims of available services, maintain case files, and stay updated on relevant legislation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or four years of college education in social services, criminal justice or a closely related field.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Possession or ability to obtain Victim Assistance Specialist Certification from the S.C. Standards and Certification Board.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to guide others and make frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product.

Responsibilities

• Review inmate files to identify victims in need of victim assistance.
• Inform victims and family members of available services, legal rights, and protection; identify resources and refer victims to appropriate services; schedule appointments; provide courtroom orientation and accompany victims to court as needed; provide court testimony; assist victims in filing compensation applications.
• Inform victims of detainee release from the Detention Center.
• Coordinate victim advocate services with court personnel, law enforcement and other agencies to maximize service effectiveness.
• Arrange transportation and/or emergency housing for victims as needed.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case files and Victim Services database.
• Receive and respond to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints.
• Compile data and prepare administrative and statistical reports for the department, County and other agencies.
• Perform general administrative and clerical work: attend meetings, prepare reports and correspondence, establish and maintain files, copy and file documents, process mail, send and receive faxes, answer the telephone, enter and retrieve computer data.
• Remain on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
• Gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and prescribe action based on such data.
• Provide information, guidance or assistance to people to facilitate task accomplishment; give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants.

Skills

1-2 years of relevant experience

Ability to guide others

Decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree or four years of college in social services or criminal justice

Victim Assistance Specialist Certification (SC)

Job description

Richland County is seeking a Victim Services Advocate to support crime victims through the justice system and related work. The role involves reviewing inmate files, coordinating with court personnel and law enforcement, and providing direct victim services, including court orientation and transportation arrangements.

The candidate will inform victims of available services, maintain case files, and stay updated on relevant legislation.