District Attorney Victims Advocate

DISTRICT ATTORNEY VICTIMS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM VICTIMS ADVOCATE
POSITION DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION This Employee works under the direct
supervision of the District Attorney who acts as the Director of the
Victims Services Program. This position requires extensive knowledge
of operations, policies, forms and terminology of the judicial process
and a thorough understanding of the responsibility of handling sensitive
and confidential information. This employee must remain current
regarding crime victims rights and available services. EXAMPLES OF
PRINCIPAL DUTIES: – Works within the District Attorneys Office and
closely with the Department of Youth Services, making first contact with
victims and explaining the purpose of the DA Victims Assistance
Program. – Works directly with law enforcement agencies to bring
services to victims early in the process and to enhance communication
with law enforcement and social service agencies. – Helps victims to
understand and navigate the judicial process by: – Providing on-going
case information to victims; – Preparing victims for court
appearances; – Explaining the justice system from the initial
investigation through sentencing and on into probation and post-prison
supervision; – Providing assistance during plea negotiations; and –
Helping with Victim Impact Statements given during the sentencing
proceeding. – Assists victims with logistical problems like child care,
transportation and lodging so they can attend court proceedings. –
Recruits and organizes volunteers to provide victim services. –
Accompanies victims and/or families to Helping Hearts Assessment Center
or occasionally Mt. Emily Safe Center in LaGrande, Oregon. – Ensures
victims are aware of services offered through local agencies and
provides referrals for services. – Organizes and presents the Victims
Impact Panel two times a year. – Provides statistical information for
grant applications and reports. – Other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE,
SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED: Knowledge of: – The criminal justice
system; – State and community resources; – Volunteer management
skills; – Human behavior related to victims of crime, with an emphasis
on victims of domestic violence, stalking, dating violence and sexual
assault. – Standard legal office practices, procedures, documents, forms
and technology; – Business English, grammar and composition; and – Grant
processes and reporting. Skills in: – Operation of office technology; –
Telephone etiquette; and – Grant reporting procedures. Ability to: –
Communicate effectively and appropriately, both orally and in writing; –
Act with compassion and concern for crime victims; – Exercise mature
judgment and react professionally in emergency and stressful
situations; – Establish and maintain effective working relationships
with the public, victims, law enforcement personnel, defense attorneys,
volunteers and community resource agencies; – Organize and facilitate
programs and presentation