Victim & Witness Support Advocate

Hall County Government; Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victim Witness Assistant at Hall County Government in Gainesville, GA provides support to crime victims and witnesses to help reduce trauma and navigate the court process. This includes initial contact, informing about Victims’ Bill of Rights, and linking to resources.

Responsibilities include coordinating interviews, assisting with Victims’ Compensation applications, liaising with prosecutors and courts, arranging travel for out-of-town victims, and ensuring timely notifications of hearings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2-3 years of experience in criminal justice or victim advocacy preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides the minimum level of qualifications, stated above.

Responsibilities

• Provides assistance to victims and/or witnesses to decrease trauma and prepare for the court process.
• Make initial contact with crime victims prior to committal hearing in instances where committal hearing is not waived.
• Arrange initial interviews with victims and/or family members. Inform families of the history of the case and assess the safety of the victim.
• Refer victims to appropriate resources such as domestic violence shelters, counseling centers, rape crisis centers, etc.
• Assist victims in completing Victims’ Compensation applications.
• Advocate on behalf of victims regarding outstanding medical bills, repair bills, and other costs incurred because of crime.
• Serve as a liaison between prosecutors, investigators, court personnel, and various community agencies and the victim throughout the criminal justice process.
• Notify victims of all hearing, including but not limited to: Committal/Preliminary Hearings, Bond Hearings, Grand Jury, Arraignment, Trial or Plea.
• Assist Victims and/or family members in completing Victim Impact Statements.
• Provide victims with information on victim assistance from the Department of Corrections and Parole Board.
• Provide follow-up services as needed for victims after case closure.
• Collect and maintain statistical data as required.
• Coordinate witnesses as needed for court hearings.
• Attend meetings for various task forces and/or coalitions that the District Attorney’s Office participates in.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Victim advocacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The Victim Witness Assistant at Hall County Government in Gainesville, GA provides support to crime victims and witnesses to help reduce trauma and navigate the court process. This includes initial contact, informing about Victims’ Bill of Rights, and linking to resources.

Responsibilities include coordinating interviews, assisting with Victims’ Compensation applications, liaising with prosecutors and courts, arranging travel for out-of-town victims, and ensuring timely notifications of hearings.