Victim Witness Specialist

Part Time/ Non-Exempt Position
Pay Range: $28.88- $36.91

Job Summary
The Victim Witness Specialist assists victims of crime in Ozaukee County. This includes advising victims of their rights and helping them exercise their rights per Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes and the Constitutional Amendment known as Marsy’s Law. Works closely with many other state, county and other local agencies to accomplish this task and provides resources for victims as needed.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully with or without reasonable accommodations to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

20% Provide Support, Guidance, and Assistance to Crime Victims and Witnesses:
Initiate contact with a victim of a crime to inform them of their legal rights primarily with regard to juvenile and property crimes. Notify victims of hearings taking place, accompany victims to court hearings and maintain ongoing contact and support to assist, inform, and update them about the status of the case.

15% Advise Victims of their Legal Rights:
Pursuant to Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes and the Constitutional Amendment known as Marsy’s Law, victims have rights and “standing” in a criminal case. Advise victims of their rights and help them to exercise those rights. Coordinate with many different agencies.
15% Act as the District Attorney’s Liaison:
Consult with victims and discuss pretrial negotiations and sentencing recommendations. Document these discussions and make sure this information is recorded. Inform the District Attorney/Assistant District Attorney of the victim’s position and schedule meetings as necessary.

15% Provide Information and Advocacy Services on behalf of the victim:
When contact occurs with victims, information is gathered regarding the well-being and status of a victim’s medical, emotional, and physical condition. This information is shared with the DA/ADA. Occasionally, those conversations reveal that the victim has specific needs and appropriate referrals are made for the victim to get assistance, including counseling, shelter, recovering property, restitution/Crime Victim Compensation, and recommendations for assistance to obtain restraining orders.

15% Assist with Trials, Trial Preparation, and Subpoena Process:
Work with the District Attorney/Assistant District Attorney to prepare victims and witnesses for trial. Coordinate with the District Attorney/Assistant District Attorney regarding witnesses during trials to assure they are available when needed and maintain waiting areas. Assists the subpoena clerk with cancellation of witnesses as needed. Arrange out of town transportation and lodging.
10% Office Support:
Provide victims with information to register for notification of any post disposition activities including; the Department of Corrections, the Department of Probation and Parole, Department of Human Services, VINE, Sex Offender Registry etc.

10% Clerical Duties:
Prepare correspondence, track cases, and utilize a computer database program known as a PROTECT to obtain, collect, and evaluate information. Perform basic Internet searches to assist in the case.
Supervision Exercised

None.

Minimum Education Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Associate degree in law enforcement, court or social service training.
• Three years of experience working in a legal setting, law enforcement or social service agency in lieu of associates degree.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
Certification with the Wisconsin Victim Witness Professionals and continuing education.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications
In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential.

 

• Knowledge of court procedures, practices, and legal terminology as well as applicable laws related to victims and witnesses of crime.
• Practical computer experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Experience working with databases and document processing will be weighted favorably, including any relevant work with file sharing systems.
• Knowledge of modern office equipment; knowledge of spelling, punctuation, and grammar; skill in word processing, data entry, and editing documents..
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to perform difficult and varied tasks.
• Be very detail oriented.
• Ability to keep confidential matters in the strictest of confidence.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Ozaukee County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Physical Requirements

 

• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, or walking.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment. May have to deal with irritated, agitated, hostile, or violent individuals.

EOE / ADA Statement

Ozaukee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ozaukee County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

 

Ozaukee County offers a generous benefits package including: health, dental, life, & vision insurance; free employee health clinic & Teladoc; paid holidays, vacation, & sick time; state of Wisconsin WRS defined benefit pension program; bonus opportunities; employee fitness room; wellness program & wellness reimbursement; tuition reimbursement & continuing education opportunities; and more! Please note some that benefits offered are dependent on full-time/part-time status.

Ozaukee County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, disability, genetics, veteran status or military service, marital status or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status protected by federal, state or local laws. Ozaukee County also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws.