Victim/Witness Assistant

Victim/Witness Assistant This position performs a variety of legal and clerical functions to assist in the effective operations of the Grays Harbor County Victim/Witness Assistance Program. The Victim/Witness Assistant is the primary contact person between the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the victims of crime and the State's witnesses in criminal cases. Essential Duties Provides information and referrals to resources for victims/survivors and witnesses to ensure they are aware of their rights and apprised of the process related to the criminal justice system and its response to the offender. Schedules and coordinates interviews between victims, witnesses, attorneys, and community based advocates in relation to adult and juvenile felony and misdemeanor cases prosecuted by the office. Provides informational and emotional support to victims and witnesses during court proceedings; assists victims in the preparation of an impact statement to the Court. Maintains contact with crime victims and witnesses to direct them to services offered in the community which might benefit their situation, and assists in the preparation of restitution estimates. Conveys information from the deputy prosecuting attorneys, schedules interviews or appointments, and documents that contact. Receives and directs incoming calls from crime victims and witnesses, takes messages, determines needs, answers general questions and furnishes information regarding established procedures, policies and services. Performs a wide range of other clerical duties to support the operations and administration of cases and department's functions including copying, faxing, scanning, emailing, performing intake, and such other tasks or special projects as are necessary for the proper management of office caseloads. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. (A) Two (2) years of clerical court-related experience, or (B) a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and skills for the position. A valid Washington State driver's license and acceptable driving record. Ability to pass a background check. Must be bondable. Desired Qualifications: Two (2) year's legal/advocacy experience. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Demonstrated ability to compose correspondence using standardized letters in a case management system or Word documents. Demonstrated ability to process workload in a timely manner, with little to no monitoring. Demonstrated ability to type at least 50 words per minute. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work to meet established deadlines. Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions. Demonstrated ability to read, write and communicate proficiently. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public officials and the general public, being courteous, polite and tactful. Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure. Demonstrated ability to deal with individuals who are under emotional stress. Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion over sensitive or confidential issues related to cases and department's business. Ability to pass a criminal background check. Demonstrated skill in interpersonal and customer service skills to deal courteously with the public, county employees and agencies requiring services. Demonstrated skill in the use of Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel. Demonstrated skill in the use of standard office machines and equipment. Demonstrated skill in attention to detail and accuracy. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of the caseloads and work of the office, discussing the same only with appropriate parties. Supplemental Information Working Conditions: Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with varying degrees of noise and temperament of people. Physical requirements include, sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, a sense of touch, finger dexterity, ability to grip with hands and fingers, ability to hear voice conversation, ability to speak and the ability to read existing records in their original and stored formats. There is a need to retrieve and to store files, requiring lifting of boxes and other materials up to 30 pounds. Benefits Grays Harbor County offers the following benefits: MEDICAL DENTAL LIFE VISION DEPENDENT COVERAGE - Medical, dental and vision EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT DEFERRED COMPENSATION - includes employer match up to $50 per month DRS RETIREMENT VACATION - 8 hours to 24 hours monthly depending on longevity SICK LEAVE - 8 hours per month for full time employees BEREAVEMENT LEAVE 2 FLOATING HOLIDAYS 12 PAID HOLIDAYS LONGEVITY PAY Grays Harbor County pays entire medical, dental and vision for full time employees and provides up to $800 monthly towards dependent coverage for Courthouse Contract employees and $950 per month for Public Works Contract employees. Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees.