Victim Witness Advocate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Pittsfield (MA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plans & paid leave

Job summary

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office in Massachusetts is seeking a Victim Witness Advocate (full-time) to provide crisis assessment, information, referrals and court advocacy for victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice system.

You will work with ADAs, police, investigators and staff; maintain organized files, support victims’ rights, and stay current on trauma-informed practices. Salary is $50,000 annually with a comprehensive state benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (lived experience may substitute)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Bi-lingual candidates encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

• Must have empathy and compassion for victims/witnesses of crimes
• Provide victims with informational written material/brochures explaining their rights in compliance with the Victims' Bill of Rights
• Provide victims with information about appropriate community resources for counseling, health and protective services, and crime victim compensation
• Provide outreach, education and training to service providers and community groups regarding victimization, victim rights, victim/witness services and the criminal justice system
• Learn about the needs of vulnerable populations in Berkshire County, existing disparities in the criminal justice & social service systems and working towards meeting these unique needs, while upholding the best potential access & equity to service delivery
• Work well in a fast-paced environment while being detail oriented and self motivated
• Communicate with Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs), Law Enforcement, Court Personnel, and Administrative Support in a professional manner
• Consult with ADAs throughout the case and ensure the victims' input is heard
• Maintain organized files, prepare correspondence & use a database to obtain information regarding cases
• Engage in ongoing education & professional networking to maintain a high level of knowledge in legal developments, trauma informed practices, and community resources

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Detail oriented

Teamwork

Multitasking

Confidential information handling

Public service interest

Bi-lingual

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Victim Witness Advocate (26000632)

Job Description

Victim Witness Advocate - (26000632)

Description

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office anticipates a full-time Victim Witness Advocate position opening.

The VWA is responsible for providing crisis assessment and intervention, information and referrals and court advocacy services to victims, witnesses and their families throughout the criminal justice system. This position reports to the Director of Victim Witness Assistance Unit.

Functions of the VWA

The MA Bill of Rights (M.G.L. C 258B) establishes rights and services for crime victims to ensure they have a meaningful role in the criminal justice system. Crime can significantly impact a victim's safety, emotional and physical health, and financial security as they navigate the complex and often intimidating criminal justice system.

The Victim Witness Advocate works on behalf of victims and witnesses, serving as a member of the prosecution team and works in partnership with ADAs, police, investigators, and other staff. VWAs build relationships with both criminal justice and community-based stakeholders to ensure victims have access to information, assistance and support.

Responsibilities

• Must have empathy and compassion for victims/witnesses of crimes
• Provide victims with informational written material/brochures explaining their rights in compliance with the Victims' Bill of Rights
• Provide victims with information about appropriate community resources for counseling, health and protective services, and crime victim compensation
• Provide outreach, education and training to service providers and community groups regarding victimization, victim rights, victim/witness services and the criminal justice system
• Learn about the needs of vulnerable populations in Berkshire County, existing disparities in the criminal justice & social service systems and working towards meeting these unique needs, while upholding the best potential access & equity to service delivery
• Work well in a fast-paced environment while being detail oriented and self motivated
• Communicate with Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs), Law Enforcement, Court Personnel, and Administrative Support in a professional manner
• Consult with ADAs throughout the case and ensure the victims' input is heard
• Maintain organized files, prepare correspondence & use a database to obtain information regarding cases
• Engage in ongoing education & professional networking to maintain a high level of knowledge in legal developments, trauma informed practices, and community resources

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (may substitute lived experience for education requirement)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong personal character & be able to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system (will train the right candidate)
• Interest in public service
• Bi-lingual candidates are encouraged to apply

Salary: $50,000 annually

All full time positions offer a state benefit package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation, personal and sick leave and paid parental leave.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check.All positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney.

Berkshire District Attorney's Office is an EEO Employer with a firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring practices

Official Title : Victim Witness/Advocate - D.A.

Primary Location

Job

Legal Services

Agency

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Sep 4, 2026, 7:25:43 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

50,000.00 - 50,000.00 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affivative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Julia Sabourin - 4134435951

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No