Position Information

Are you committed to the ideals of public safety, justice, and healing? If you are, you will find a fulfilling workplace at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office!

The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for Arlington County is seeking to fill an entry level grant-funded Victim Witness Program Assistant position to provide administrative support to the Victim Witness Program staff and provide guidance to victims of crime, some of whom speak Spanish and may have difficulty communicating in English.

The Arlington County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is an "at-will" office. Employees are not subject to the same employment protections as other County employees.

Specific duties include:

• Contacting victims of crimes to explain legal and courtroom procedures, assisting in filing claims with the Virginia Victims Fund, and providing pertinent information on social service agencies and resource programs;
• Serving as liaison with victims, prosecution, law enforcement, court officials, and allied professionals;
• Providing crisis intervention and referrals for supportive counseling to minimize the traumatic impact of crime and the criminal justice process;
• Using the police department's database to obtain and review police reports to assist with preparing cases for trial;
• Compiling information relevant to cases;
• Assisting victims and providing information on their rights and on the court process;
• Representing the Victim/Witness Program in community events and/or providing training on victim services;
• Learn and become conversant about restorative justice.
• Tracking cases and services provided to victims using the Virginia Services Data Collection System (VSDCS) and Prosecutor by Karpel (PBK) case management system; and
• Performing administrative functions such as preparing court dockets, composing letters and narrative reports, filing, faxing, answering phones and ordering program supplies.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, highly organized individual with excellent time management and communication skills (oral and written) and has the ability to work with a diverse population.

The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is committed to transformative justice in the promotion of effective victim/survivor services, evidence-based diversion programs, and racial justice. Working in a major metropolitan area’s prosecutor’s office offers you a broad spectrum of experience and provides ample opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and comradery. The Office is responsible for both adult and juvenile prosecutions for crimes that range from DUI to aggravated assaults, complex fraud investigations, rapes, and murders. Victim Witness Assistants are an essential member of the team supporting victims/survivors, specifically centering voice, agency, and mitigating trauma throughout the criminal legal process.

Selection Criteria

Minimum:

• High school diploma or GED;
• At least one year of experience as a legal assistant, legal secretary or providing direct client informational support in a criminal justice or court system environment; and
• Completion of a paralegal certificate program recognized by the American Bar Association.

Substitution: Additional experience in a legal office performing paralegal tasks may be substituted for the paralegal certificate program requirement.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates who are able to learn, grow and adapt with flexibility, humility, and self-reflection and have the following experience:

• Case and docket management;
• Working in a restorative justice system;
• Working in a fast-paced professional environment;
• Using Prosecutor by Karpel (PBK) or a similar case management software;
• Using Microsoft Office Word and Outlook; and/or
• Bilingual ability in English/Spanish.

Special Requirements

A background check will be conducted on all candidates who are finalists for the position. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit check and may require signing a release authorizing the County to obtain this information. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record and criminal history.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is an entry level position.

Salary Information: This position is partially funded by a VA Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) grant.

Benefits Information: https://careers.arlingtonva.us/working-arlington/benefits/.

The official title for this position is Paralegal I B.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Arlington County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is an "at-will" office. Employees are not subject to the same employment protections as other County employees.

The official title for these positions is Paralegal I B.

For more information on Arlington's generous benefits, .

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.

The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email pers@arlingtonva.us.