Victim Witness Advocate

Pacga; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The District Attorney’s Office - Atlanta Judicial Circuit seeks a Victim Witness Advocate to provide crisis intervention and advocacy for crime victims and their families. The role supports clients through the judicial process, explains rights and procedures, and assists with compensation claims.

Responsibilities include accompanying victims to court, coordinating with legal and service providers, and preparing advocacy documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice or related field.
• This is an entry-level professional role; prior experience is preferred.
• Ability to understand crisis intervention practices and judicial processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention services to crime victims and families.
• Explain the Victim Bill of Rights and assist with compensation claims.
• Accompany victims/witnesses to court hearings and interviews.
• Coordinate with attorneys, investigators, and service providers.
• Prepare and review advocacy-related documentation and reports.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Advocacy

Court accompaniment

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data entry/records management

Job description

The District Attorney’s Office in the Atlanta Judicial Circuit has an opening for a Victim Witness Advocate. The following duties are normal for this position; other duties may be required and assigned:

The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provides crisis intervention services to crime victims and their families:

Assist victims in recovering from the physical, emotional, and financial impact of crimes; evaluates and determines needs of victims and families; and provides resources, referrals, and assistance with victim’s compensation, burial assistance, housing/relocation, clothing, food, transportation, medical services, counseling, mentoring, or other appropriate services.

Provides support and assistance to victims, witnesses, and families during the criminal justice process:

Responds to inquiries and requests; explains the Victim Bill of Rights and judicial processes; provides language translation and interpretation; and assists with victim compensation claims and victim impact statements.

Notifies victims and witnesses of any status changes in case proceedings, such as court dates, bond, pleas, release from jail or prison, parole, case status and outcomes, and other pertinent information; uses phone, email, written correspondence, and in-person meetings to make contact and follow-up with victims/witnesses.

Accompanies victims, witnesses, and families to court hearings, trials, and attorney interviews to provide support and guidance.

Communicates with Attorneys, Investigators, other Victim/Witness Advocates or Counselors, judges, courtroom personnel, service providers, volunteers, interns, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities and resolve problems; discuss cases; advocate and communicate on behalf of victim’s rights, needs, and concerns; or provide victim/witness advocacy training and guidance.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated time frames and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including crime scene photographs, restitution paperwork, and victim impact statements; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including victim’s compensation packet, pardon and parole board packet, Pro-Dialog records, and advocacy reports; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment and supplies as necessary to complete essential functions.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. This classification is considered to be an entry-level professional position, however previous work experience is preferred.

Specific License or Certification Required:

None

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:

Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position. Requires knowledge of judicial processes and court procedures. Requires knowledge of crisis intervention practices.

Example of Duties Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to provide advocacy and crisis intervention services to crime victims, their families, and witnesses through the Victim/Witness Advocacy Program. Work involves providing compassionate care, support, information, assistance, and referrals to crime victims and their families. The Victim/Witness Advocate is distinguished from Victim/Witness Counselor in that the former primarily provides advocacy and crisis intervention services, whereas the latter performs advocacy work with greater independence and provides direct victim/witness counseling.

Salary Range:

Commensurate with experience.