Crime Victim Liaison

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The position of Crime Victim Liaison performs those statutory duties imposed upon it by the Code of Criminal Procedure; Chapter 56, Subchapter A, Crime Victims’ Rights, and Subchapter B, Crime Victim’s Compensation. Subchapter A., Article 56.04 (d), establishes that the primary duties of the Crime Victim Liaison are to ensure that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim are afforded the rights granted to victims, guardians, or close relatives of deceased victims by Subdivisions (4),(6), and (9) of Article 56.02 (a) (4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. These primary duties shall be performed in consultation with the Victim Assistance Coordinator in the office of the attorney representing the state in the related criminal cases to ensure compliance with state statutes and enhance effectiveness in meeting the crime victim assistance standards established by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Victim Services Division.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1 (20%) The Crime Victim Liaison will ensure that those victims covered under Article 56.02 (a)(4) of the code are afforded the right to be informed, when requested, by a peace officer concerning the defendant’s right to bail and the procedures involved in criminal investigations; and by the district attorney’s office concerning the general procedures in the criminal justice system, including general procedures in guilty plea negotiations and arrangements, restitution, and the appeals and parole process. 2 (20%) The Crime Victim Liaison will ensure that those victims covered under Article 56.02 (a)(6) of the code are informed of the right to receive information regarding compensation as provided by Subchapter B, including information related to the cost that may be compensated under that subchapter and the amount of compensation, eligibility for compensation, and the procedures for application for compensation under that subchapter, the payment for medical examination under Article 56.06 for a victim of sexual assault, and when requested, to referral to available social service agencies that may offer additional assistance. 3 (20%) The Crime Victim Liaison will ensure that those victims covered under Article 56.02 (a)(9) of the code are afforded the right to prompt return of any property of the victim that is held by a law enforcement agency or the attorney for the state as evidence when the property is no longer required for that purpose. 4 (20%) The Crime Victim Liaison will ensure that the Victim Coordinator for the attorney representing the state receives immediate cooperation and support in providing effective assistance to a victim as defined in Chapter 56 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 5 (10%) The Crime Victim Liaison will comply with all local, state, and federal statutes related to the duties of the position held.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Items 1-9 below will constitute approximately 10% of grant funded activities.

1. Regular attendance is required.
2. Maintain a valid Texas Operators License
3. Must be bondable by county insurance carrier
4. Must be able to comply with county employee and Sheriff’s Office policies and

procedures. 5 Compile and maintain all necessary documentation required for grant position reporting when required. 6 Compliance with state statutes related to records management. 7 Ability to testify in court proceedings in an objective and articulate manner. 8 Maintain training requirements related to the position held. 9 Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county employees and officials, court personnel, attorneys, and representatives of victim assistance/advocacy groups. 10 Experienced in making community outreach presentations in various public forums to enhance awareness of the services available to crime victims.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Previous formalized training in fields related to victim assistance liaison duties is desirable.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of Chapter 56 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure as it relates to crime victim rights and crime victim compensation. Previous experience in victim’s assistance, victim’s compensation, social service, criminal justice, or related field is desirable. High level of maturity and compassion in dealing with crime victims. Excellent communication, counseling, and interviewing skills. Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations relative to the position of Crime Victim Liaison. Working knowledge of computers and the ability to learn county computer programs related to duties. Excellent organizational skills are desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position of Crime Victim Liaison will require frequent travel outside of an office environment in order to provide effective victim’s assistance. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. While performing the duties of this position the employee is frequently required to see, talk, hear, stand, kneel, climb, feel, utilize fingers to handle and arms to reach and carry. The employee must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds regularly and up to forty (40) pounds occasionally. Specific vision required for this job includes both near and distance vision.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The position of Crime Victim Liaison will be in constant contact with sensitive information related to crime victims which demands a high level of confidentiality. The person that occupies this position must be able to demonstrate trustworthiness by successfully passing an extensive background investigation prior to being considered for employment. To fulfill the duties of the Crime Victim Liaison it may be necessary to work irregular duty hours and on weekends to ensure timely completion of related job responsibilities #J-18808-Ljbffr Burnet County