Victim Advocate & Court Support Specialist

Dorchester County; South Carolina; On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorchester County is seeking a Victim Assistance Specialist to support crime victims through coordination with law enforcement, attorneys, and court personnel. This full-time role requires a compassion-driven approach and the ability to manage sensitive information.

Responsibilities include processing victim impact statements, arranging meetings, informing victims of legal rights, and assisting with compensation applications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of related experience or equivalent combination.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving history.
• State certification as Victim Assistance Specialist required within six months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between victims, law enforcement officers, investigators, attorneys, court personnel, creditors, and other government and community organizations.
• Receives and processes victim impact statements; assists victims in completing statements as necessary; assists with victim interviews as necessary; reviews statements, law enforcement reports and other documentation to determine needs of victims.
• Coordinate, schedule and attend in-person/virtual meetings between victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and Solicitors.
• Informs crime victims of their legal rights and ensures their rights are protected.
• Provides emotional and moral support to victims of crimes; refers victims to other agencies in cases of physical, social and/or psychological injuries or anxieties; and refers victims for grief and other types of counseling.
• Notifies victims of court case status and court dates. Provides courtroom orientation to victims and accompanies victims in court when support is requested.
• Prepare transport orders and coordinate transport. Assists in preparing victims and witnesses for court testimony.
• Assists victims in filing applications to the victim compensation fund through the Governor’s Office Division of Victims’ Assistance for the purpose of obtaining financial help with medical expenses, lost wages, counseling expenses, funeral expenses, etc.
• Assists in determining and requesting restitution payments and payment schedules.
• Provides follow-up services to victims of crimes and their families.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date case files and case database.
• Performs general administrative/clerical work as required including, but not limited to, preparing reports and correspondence, entering, and retrieving computer data, copying, and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.
• Attends training, seminars, conferences, etc., as necessary, to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Education

High School Graduation or GED

One year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

Dorchester County is seeking a Victim Assistance Specialist to support crime victims through coordination with law enforcement, attorneys, and court personnel. This full-time role requires a compassion-driven approach and the ability to manage sensitive information.

Responsibilities include processing victim impact statements, arranging meetings, informing victims of legal rights, and assisting with compensation applications.