Victim Witness Advocate

Middlesex County DA's Office; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare, Dental and Vision plans

Retirement benefits

Vacation: 4 weeks/year

Sick leave: 15 days/year

Personal days: 3 days/year

Job summary

Middlesex District Attorney's Office is seeking a Victim Witness Advocate to work with assistant district attorneys across Middlesex County’s superior, district, and juvenile courts. You will guide crime victims and witnesses through the criminal justice system, accompany them to interviews and hearings, and connect them with community resources and counseling services.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and experience in social services or criminal justice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a high volume and fast paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Guide victims and witnesses through the criminal justice system.
• Accompany clients to interviews and hearings.
• Provide referrals to community resources, including emergency shelter and counseling.

Skills

Strong written/verbal communication

Multi-tasking

Teamwork

Independence

Professional demeanor

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

The primary goal of the Victim Witness Bureau to reduce the level of secondary injury associated with the aftermath of crime; and, to aid in the prosecution of criminal cases by ensuring that crime victims and witnesses are provided with the entitlements and services mandated by the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B), and those additional services provided as a policy of the Bureau within the Office of the District Attorney.

Victim Witness Advocates are assigned to work with assistant district attorneys in all of Middlesex County’s superior, district, and juvenile courts. In addition, specialized advocates are assigned to the Child Protection Unit, Elder and Disabled Persons Protection Unit, Appeals Bureau, Homicide and Unsolved Unit and the Domestic Violence Program.

These compassionate and dedicated professionals are an integral part of the prosecution team. Advocates work with those impacted by crime, guiding them through the criminal justice system, accompanying them to interviews and hearings, and ensuring that they are aware of their rights. Advocates also provide referrals to community resources, including emergency shelter and rape crisis counseling.

The criminal justice system can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Advocates explain the court process and offer support, and informs you of the role expected of you as a victim or witness.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and experience in social services or criminal justice
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to assess and address issues and matters in a timely fashion
• Ability to multi-task, refocus and re-prioritize in a high volume and fast paced environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to raise issues and/or questions to supervisor in a timely manner if unable to respond or beyond scope of responsibility
• Excellent organizational and project completion skills, with a strong attention to detail
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and professional workplace etiquette
• Strong personal character, integrity, judgment and maturity in handling sensitive & confidential matters
• An understanding of the role of a modern prosecutor’s office within the criminal justice system and the community
• A sincere interest in the public sector and the work of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office

By submitting your application, you acknowledge the following:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. M.G.L. c. 149, § 19B.

You certify that the facts set forth in this employment application and attached resume are true and complete to the best of your knowledge and authorize the Middlesex District Attorney's Office to verify the accuracy of the education and employment information herein. You understand that falsified statements shall be considered grounds for discharge.

You understand that the Middlesex District Attorney's Office requires a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment, and that individuals other than those provided by a candidate may be contacted in the course of completing a full background and qualifications check.

Starting Salary: $46,500/year

Vacation: 4 weeks per year, with the ability to carry over up to two weeks each calendar year

Sick leave: unlimited accrual of 15 days p/year

Personal days: 3 personal days per year

Healthcare, Dental and Vision plans (both individual and family)

Retirement benefits

State pension benefits, vesting at 10 years of service