Victim Witness Coordinator

POSITION TITLE:            VICTIM/WITNESS COORDINATOR

This is an at-will non-bargaining unit position. 

REPORTS TO:                    PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

SUMMARY:                     Under the direction of the Prosecuting Attorney, administers and coordinates the County Victim/Witness Program. Assists all members of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office in following policy and Washington code regarding the guidelines and laws set out for crime victims and their rights.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (including but not limited to)

Victim's advocate for all domestic violence and sexual assault cases handled by the prosecutor's office and as assigned by the Superior and District court judges. Advocacy includes: intake and assessment, information on victim's rights, referral to various services, emphatic listening, crisis intervention, child/adult court orientation, accompanying victims to interviews with law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, transportation assistance, preparation of protection/restraining orders, assisting victims to apply for Crime Victim's Compensation, assistance with restitution, preparing victim impact statements, discuss and explain plea negotiations, and notification of jail.

Review and evaluate all sex and child abuse police reports.

Testify in court regarding the position's interface with crime victims, such as in rape, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and all DV related crimes. 

Prepares witnesses and victims of all ages for court appearances including:

Explanation of victim's rights:

a)     Explanation to victims of charges filed, case status, and criminal justice system

b)     Rendering assistance in completing a Crime Victim Compensation application

c)     Providing advocacy and education before and during attorney interviews and court appearances

d)     Providing counseling referral, as required, and making assessment of other needs 

Obtains additional information as required to complete prosecutor's investigation on all DV and sexual assault cases.

Assists the prosecutor with case file management on all Class A felonies.

Serves as a liaison to law enforcement, judicial agencies, and community resources by developing and maintaining effective communication.

Administers and coordinates all grant programs

Performs paralegal, secretarial, and clerical duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The ability to read, write, speak and comprehend the English language. Physical abilities include standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time, reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, pulling and fingering.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Demonstrated proficiency with modern office procedures, practices, and equipment

Familiarity with legal terminology, grammar, spelling, punctuation, forms and formats

Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with co-workers, community agencies, law enforcement and the public.

Demonstrated knowledge of word processing programs similar to Corel/Suite 8

Ability to successfully manage concurrent high-priority tasks

Ability to maintain a high ethical standard and observe confidentiality

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

Graduation from standard high school or its equivalent.

Training or experience working with victims and specialized training in domestic violence and sexual assault or other related issues is helpful.

Must successfully pass a background check and drug test.

Valid driver’s license is required.