Victim Witness Program Assistant

City of Lynchburg, VA; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lynchburg seeks a Victim Witness Program Assistant to support Victim Witness Advocates and assist crime victims in understanding and navigating the criminal justice system. The role initiates contact with victims, assesses safety, provides information, and coordinates services under Virginia law.

The position handles case documentation, inquiries, referrals, court appearance information, and liaison work with prosecutors and social services to ensure coordinated victim support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience in working within the criminal justice system or with crime victims is preferred.
• Must successfully pass criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Enter victim information and track case services in the Victim Services Data Collection system.
• Screen and direct inquiries from victims, service providers, attorneys and the public.
• Provide direct services including information about court appearances and notices of changes in schedules.
• Assist with referrals to community resources and with applications for Virginia Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
• Maintain records and files and handle program mail and inquiries.

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, sociology, or psychology, or related field

Job description

The Victim Witness Program Assistant will provide a variety of administrative assistance to Victim Witness Advocates as well as direct assistance to victims and witnesses of crime occurring in the City of Lynchburg. The Program Assistant will initiate contact with victims of crimes to assess safety, provide information, and assist victims in understanding and navigating the criminal justice system. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program protects the rights of victims and witnesses of crime set forth in the Code of Virginia (§ 19.2-11.01) Crime victim and witness rights.

• Receives warrants and police reports from legal assistants and enters victim information, tracks cases and documents services provided to victims into the Victim Services Data Collection system.
• Receives, screens and directs inquiries both by phone and in person, from victims, other service providers, attorneys, law enforcement and the general public.
• Provides direct services including contact with victims to assure victims are provided information related to court appearances and hearings, as well as informing them of changes in the time and date of those appearances and hearing.
• Assesses the victim's emotional, physical, safety and financial needs; makes referrals to community resources; provides information regarding the Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund and assists with the application process.
• Processes incoming and outgoing program mail; answers telephone inquiries related to program; maintains, organizes, and keeping up to date records and files.
• Provides court information and support to victims and/or petitioners and witnesses.
• Provides appearance information to witnesses; provides employer intercession services when requested; seeks to resolve any appearance problems to assure witness appearance in court.
• Works with victims in determining accurate restitution by compiling documentation, including estimates, medical bills, insurance documentation etc.
• Works as a liaison between victims, witnesses and prosecutors.
• Works with social service agencies, law enforcement agencies, social services and community organizations to provide a coordinated community response for crime victims and the victimization experienced.
• Participates in ongoing training, classes, courses, to stay appraised of any changes in laws, and in the provision of direct services to victims of crime.
• Works with volunteers and student interns in coordinated effort to provide services within the victim/witness assistance program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, social work, sociology, or psychology, or other closely related field.
• Previous experience in working within the criminal justice system, the civil and criminal protective order process assisting crime victims or individuals in crisis.

Must successfully pass criminal background check.