Victim/Witness Coordinator

Position Summary

Victim/Witness Coordinators are charged with assuring all victims and witnesses to crimes are afforded their rights under the PA Victims' Bill of Rights and under the Rights and Services Act. Employees in this position, which is funded through a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, perform a variety of advanced typing and clerical duties, including:

• Provide basic explanations of the criminal justice system to victims of crimes.
• Accompanies victims to court proceedings.
• Assists crime victims in completing a myriad of forms and statements in required by the courts.
  
  

Position Responsibilities

**Essential Functions**

• Provides victims with information regarding the Victim's Bill of Rights.
• Assists victims in completing crime victim compensation and restitution forms, and victim impact statements.
• Provides orientation and accompaniment to court proceedings and, if necessary, provide childcare.
• Verifies and calculates the restitution forms provided by victims, insurance companies, and other agencies and forwards the information to the assigned Assistant District Attorney prior to sentencing; after attorney review, types memoranda and court orders with restitution amounts, and forwards completed documents to the Clerk of Courts office subsequent to sentencing.
• Provides written notice to victims upon disposition of case, including information on registering to be notified upon release from prison, as well as changes in defendant's incarceration status, such as upcoming parole.
• Serves as a liaison between victims/witnesses and the Assistant District Attorneys to disseminate information concerning ongoing court cases, including case status, outstanding restitution, special instructions and other vital information, as necessary.
• Utilize District Attorney's computerized database program for data entry functions associated with the preparation of notification letters, etc.
• Assists victims with arranging transportation to court when they have no means of transportation.
• Provides crisis intervention and safety planning when necessary.
• Works to ensure the safety of victims while attending court proceedings by alerting law enforcement to any security concerns.
• Intervenes and advocates on the victims' behalf with landlords, employers and creditors when appropriate.
• Monitors and maintains statistical information on all services provided.
  
  

***Non-Essential Functions***

Assists clerical support personnel as necessary, including performing receptionist duties and numbering, sorting and labeling files, clerk's mail.

Minimum Education And Experience

• While an Associate's degree may be acceptable, a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Paralegal Studies/Social Services is preferred.
• Two years experience in the criminal justice field, serving as a paralegal or legal secretary, preferably in a District Attorney's Office, a private law firm with an emphasis on criminal practice, or a social service agency.
• Prior customer service experience with an emphasis on heavy contact with both the general public and all levels of professionals, both face-to-face and by telephone
• Prior experience utilizing computer database programs to retrieve and manipulate information, as well as word processing and spreadsheet experience.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  
  

Minimum Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Successful completion of employment background check, including NCIC criminal check.
• Thorough working knowledge of general office practice and business English.
• Spanish language skills, while not required, are desirable.
• Ability to effectively communicat with the public and government officials in a highly charged, emotional setting.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be self-motivated.
• Good, accurate typing skills using either a typewriter or computer keyboard, with the minimum acceptable speed of 60 WPM with 85% accuracy.
• Must be able to attend and successfully receive a minimum of 30 hours of training per year.
• A valid Pennsylvania driver's license must be possessed and maintained, with access to a reliable automobile to transport employee to preliminary hearings held throughout the County.
• Possess basic understanding of word processing software (Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect preferred), spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel preferred), and basic database concepts.
• Understanding of office methods, rules, practices, and procedures.
• Capable of understanding and carrying out oral and written directions.
• Able to maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties, including all other employees.
• Tact, discretion, and professionalism in dealing with members of the public.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.
  
  

Physical Demands

Physical lifting of multiple files and file boxes as necessary. Maximum weight of boxes is approximately 15 pounds, which is usually required once per week.

Working Environment

Clean, climate-controlled office setting.

*This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.*