Victim Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Victim Advocate position available at the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, Union, MO

NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision of the Assistant Office Manager and Elected Prosecutor, provides criminal justice services to crime victims and witnesses; interviews and evaluates the needs of victims; provides referrals to community agencies; educates victims regarding the criminal justice system; attends and participates in court proceedings; prepare and processes program documentation; and performs other related duties a s assigned.
This position covers Franklin, Gasconade, and Osage Counties, so you will be traveling between these three Counties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
• Coordinates and provides for the delivery of comprehensive criminal justice services to victims and witnesses of various types of crimes occurring within Franklin County’s jurisdiction.
• Responds to inquiries and provides information and education regarding the Victim Assistance Program and the criminal justice system process
• Receives and reviews police reports and case files; identifies victims of felony, gross misdemeanor, and domestic violence crimes
• Interview victims and witnesses of crime and determines individual needs for assistance; provides resources and/or referrals to appropriate community agencies; responds to crisis situations
• Prepares and sends initial correspondence, insurance forms, and restitution forms to all victims; provides victims with information and assistance in preparing Department of Corrections, Victim/Witness Notification Program, and Crime Victims Compensation documents
• Schedules and coordinates interview between victims, witnesses, attorneys, and community based advocates in relation to felony, gross misdemeanor, and/or juvenile cases
• Conveys case status information to victims pertaining to trials and/or sentencing hearings
• Provides informational and emotional support to victims and witnesses during court proceedings; assists victims in the preparation of impact statements to the Court
• Presents and clarifies information during court proceedings; addresses inquiries pertaining to the evaluation process and provides specific case information to defense counsel
• Prepares and maintains a variety of program records, reports, and documentation; maintains and prepares grant reports
• Performs other duties as assigned

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in a standard office environment and involves sitting for extended periods of time, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field; AND two (2) years of social work experience. Preferred
Depending on area of assignment a valid Driver’s License, Notary Public License, and/or other specialized certification may be required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED
Knowledge of:
• County policies and procedures
• The criminal justice system
• Judicial processes and procedures
• Victim rights and victim assistance programs
• Processes for interviewing and assessing victims of crime
• Program records, reports, and documentation
• Community organizations and resources available to victims and their families

Skills in:
• Coordinating and administering the County’s Victim Assistance Program
• Providing criminal justice services and support to crime victims and witnesses
• Interviewing and assessing victims and providing referrals for community assistance
• Attending court proceedings and preparing a variety of case/program documentation
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Communicating clearly both verbally and in writing

This position is a Grant Funded position which is sustainable.

Please apply to our posting on Indeed, ZipRecruiter or and include a cover letter and resume