Victim Witness Assistance Advocate I

RICHLAND COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA

CLASS DESCRIPTION

2020

CLASS TITLE: VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE ADVOCATE

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The purpose of the position is to provide assistance to and coordinate support for victims and witnesses of crimes; to assist victims throughout the criminal justice process; to ensure the protection of the legal rights of victims and witnesses, and to perform related work as required. The class works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Establishes effective means of communication and cooperation through early contact with victims, family members and witnesses to inform them of available services and other pertinent information.

Serves as liaison between the victim / witness, law enforcement officers, investigators, attorneys, court personnel, service providers, creditors, hospital / medical facilities and staff, insurance companies, parole and probation boards, and other government, community and private organizations as necessary.

Receives, processes and distributes victim impact statements to appropriate personnel and agencies; assists victims in completing statements as necessary; assists investigators and officers with victim interviews as necessary; reviews statements, law enforcement reports and other documentation to determine needs of victims.

Informs crime victims of their legal rights and ensures their rights are protected.

Identifies specific resources to meet victim needs and refers victims to appropriate services; refers victims and/or witnesses to crisis counselors in cases of physical, social and psychological injuries or anxieties; assists victims in applying for orders of protection as needed.

Provides emotional and moral support to victims of crimes; refers victims to other agencies in cases of physical, social and/or psychological injuries or anxieties.

Keeps victims informed of bond hearings, jail releases, court hearings, etc.; provides courtroom orientation to victims and accompanies victims in court when support is requested.

Transports victims to court, shelters, medical appointments, meetings, and other locations as necessary.

Assists in preparing victims and witnesses for court testimony.

Attends pre-trial meetings, bond / parole hearings, and trials, and provides testimony on behalf of victims as necessary.

Assists victims in filing applications for victim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, counseling expenses, funeral expenses, etc.; calculates property loss, lost wages, medical bills, or other data for restitution determination.

Provides follow-up services to victims of crimes and their families.

Establishes and maintains accurate and up-to-date case files.

Assists in developing and implementing programs to educate law enforcement officers and citizens about crime victimization and other crime-related issues; assists with related training.

Assists in coordinating program activities with those of other social service and government agencies as appropriate to better serve victims and witnesses.

Maintains current lists, directories, procedures and other reference materials; maintains an awareness of various agencies available to provide relevant services to victims and witnesses.

Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints in areas of responsibility.

Compiles data for and prepares a variety of records and reports required by the department, County and other agencies.

Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including coordinating and attending /facilitating meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, establishing and maintaining files, copying and filing documents, processing mail, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, entering and retrieving computer data, etc.

Attends training, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc., and reads professional literature as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills and to maintain awareness of current and changing legislation affecting program operations.

All other duties as assigned.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION :

Requires Bachelor’s degree.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES :

Must possess a valid state driver’s license. Must maintain OVSEC (Office of Victim Services and Education Certification) certification.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS :

Requires high school diploma or equivalent plus experience, education, or training equivalent to four (4) years of college education.