Victim Witness Specialist

The Portage County District Attorney's office is hiring a full-time Victim Witness Specialist to join their team!

Summary of Position:

This position provides appropriate services to victims of crime and provide information on criminal proceedings to witnesses as set forth in Chapter 950, Wisconsin Statutes and any other related laws or regulations. This position works to help victims and witnesses navigate the criminal justice system in order to help them understand their role in the process, to inform victims of their rights and assist them to exercise those rights, to lessen the negative impacts of the court process on them, and to help them recover lost items or gain restitution. This position also serves as a liaison between prosecutors, crime victims and witnesses as well as law enforcement and human services providers. This position assists prosecutors in interviewing victims and witnesses and managing victims and witnesses during court proceedings. This position assists the Victim Witness Coordinator with developing program procedures and regulations, ensuring statutory and constitutional compliance, and developing new forms and manuals.

Starting pay is $27.77 / hr

What are the primary job duties?

• Provides comprehensive orientation and support services to victims and witnesses by program staff including notifying victims and witnesses of their rights as provided by statute; assisting victims in exercising their rights; prepares and assists victims and witnesses to attend court and for testifying at court proceedings; providing information and referrals to community resources and agencies.
• Ensures, in collaboration with the Victim Witness Coordinator, that the program complies statutory and constitutional requirements and related guidelines, rules and regulations.
• Assists the Victim Witness Coordinator in the development of procedures, protocols, forms, and brochures utilized by the Victim Witness Program, subject to the review and approval of the District Attorney.
• Ensures that records are maintained in an accurate, timely and legal manner.
• Acts as liaison between victims and witnesses and the District Attorney's Office. Schedule and attend meetings with prosecuting attorneys, assist attorneys in interviewing victims and witnesses, and comprehensively document these meetings.
• Enter into communication and partnership with other relevant community resources and agencies, coordinates services with community resources and agencies.
• Provides training and orientation in the Victim Witness Program to other County staff, agencies and the community.
• Works to effectively and efficiently schedule witnesses at Court, coordinating with professionals, securing and making arrangements for hotels, and transportation if necessary.

What are the minimum qualifications?

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Minimum of two years post High School education with emphasis in social work, criminal justice psychology, paralegal or related field required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Two years' work experience in law office, justice system, law enforcement or related field required.
• Two years' experience in office procedures including knowledge of computer systems required.
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Any combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities of the position.

Portage County offers a GREAT benefit package, which includes the following;

• Vacation - available on day one!
• Health insurance - your choice of two health plans - (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
• Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!
• Flexible spending account
• Dental insurance
• State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 7.2%!
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Life insurance - premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
• Long term disability insurance - premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
• EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) - paid by the County
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Deadline to apply: 4:30 pm on Thursday, October 15th

Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer