Family Service Advocate

Family Service Advocate

ABOUT THE OFFICE: The Northwestern District Attorney's Office (NWDAO) serves the people of Hampshire and Franklin counties and the town of Athol. In partnership with the communities it serves, the NWDAO is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, justice, and the protection of the public through fair and effective prosecutions and progressive prevention initiatives. Although the primary responsibility of the Office is prosecuting crime, we also have a strong focus on progressive education and prevention efforts in the areas of domestic & sexual violence, child abuse, juvenile justice, elders and persons with disabilities, and consumer protection. We are the law office of the People and are steadfast guardians of the rights and liberties of every citizen. We advocate for making our communities safer and stronger, while protecting civil rights and promoting social and racial justice.

POSITION SUMMARY: Primarily responsible for the provision of information, support and advocacy services for child (under 18) victims, witnesses and survivors throughout the criminal justice process by ensuring the delivery of mandated rights enumerated in the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Offer direct services to child victims and witnesses and their families including crisis intervention, assessment and evaluation of needs for referrals to outside agencies, orientation of court procedures and accompaniment to court;
• Comply with the Victim Bill of Rights pursuant to M.G.L. c. 258B including notification of all court hearings, and continuances;
• Provide information and assistance to victims and/or their parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding their right to provide a Victim Impact Statement to the court;
• Maintain case files in a manner commensurate with office policy;
• Document all case activity;
• Maintain ongoing communication with Assistant District Attorneys on assigned child abuse cases regarding case status, victim concerns and input;
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with outside service providers, other law enforcement agencies, Department of Children and Families (DCF) and court personnel for consultation and cooperation;
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention regarding child abuse, perform domestic violence screening and make appropriate referrals to outside agencies;
• Attend forensic interviews (FI) of children victims and witnesses at the districts two CACs in order to provide support before, during and after the FI;
• Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team (with CACs, DCF and law enforcement) for purposes of interacting with child victims and assessing family needs, forensic interviews, investigations, case reviews, and prosecution of child abuse cases;
• Participate in Outreach, Interdisciplinary Professional training and Public Awareness Education as required;
• Coordinate advocacy for victims and families involved in probable cause hearings or trials for sexually dangerous person commitment proceedings;
• Offer court coverage and support to the Victim Witness Assistance Unit as needed; and
• Perform any other duties as required.

BENEFITS: The NWDAO is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The overall benefits available include: Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave Time; Health, Dental and Vision Insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission; and a pre-tax Health Savings Account optional plan. In addition, the NWDAO provides employees the opportunity to elect Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Deferred Compensation Savings, Tuition Remission, along with other programs. NWDAO employees also participate in the Commonwealth's State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from state service.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The Northwestern District Attorney's Office is committed to cultivating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive work environment where diversity is celebrated and all employees feel valued, respected, and engaged. We strive to have a staff diverse in culture, background, and perspective. We afford equal opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, handicap/disability, gender, gender identity, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected class. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that staff can bring to our District Attorney office.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in social services, criminal justice, early childhood education or related field, or Associate's Degree with 3 years of direct victim service;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• A desire to work with children and families;
• Access to a reliable vehicle and ability to travel within the district;
• Knowledge and experience in criminal justice system, direct victim services, or child protection strongly preferred; and
• Bilingual Spanish fluency a plus.

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Northampton-1 Gleason Plaza

Job: Public Safety

Agency: Northwestern DA

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day