Victim Witness Coordinator Venango County District Attorney's Office

Victim Witness Coordinator

Full-Time, 80 hours/pay

Venango County District Attorney’s Office

Franklin, PA

PAY GRADE: NON-EXEMPT HOURLY SIX

$16.0035/hr

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB

This position is responsible for managing, coordinating, monitoring and providing case assistance for criminal cases within the Venango County District Attorney’s Office. The Victim Witness Coordinator will establish communications with victims and witnesses or their advocates, advise victims of their statutory rights, keep victims and witnesses informed of the status of the criminal case, provide victims and witnesses with information, locate victims and witnesses required for effective prosecution and assist with case management. Additionally, the Victim Witness Coordinator is responsible for tracking stats and applying for and maintaining grants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB

1. Administers programs and implements policies to keep victims and witnesses informed of the status of their case as it moves through the legal system.

2. Provides victims and witnesses with information on the basic concepts of the various proceedings in criminal cases and advises victims of statutory rights and availability of support services.

3. Provides accompaniment to victims and witnesses to court appearances as requested.

4. Advises victims and witnesses of court dates and assists them with securing time off from work/school and, where required, travel and lodging.

5. Serves as a liaison between victims and attorneys, consulting with attorney with regard to victim opinion. Schedules and participates in interviews with attorneys as requested by attorneys.

6. Provides victims with information to apply for restitution and obtain return of property.

7. Advises victims of their rights to apply for compensation through the Victim’s Compensation Assistance Program and assists in completing application forms.

8. Maintain current database of information for victims including contact information.

9. Maintain and manage reports and records documenting victim services rendered.

10. Compile statistical data regarding victim contact and submits required reports.

11. Maintain and make application for various grants that fund victim witness services.

12. Completes other duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Directly supervised by the District Attorney. Receives occasional instruction and some supervision in regard to daily work duties from the District Attorney and Assistant District Attorneys.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Works indoors in crowded workspace with adequate lighting and ventilation but with fluctuations in temperatures.

2. Works with average indoor exposure to noise but subject to frequent disruptions and stress.

3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

4. Periodically works beyond normal work hours on an as-needed basis.

5. Works in conditions of potential outbursts or disruptive behavior of clients. Potential exposure to verbal abuse and graphically explicit language.

6. Travels frequently during all seasons and is exposed to outdoor elements including snow and icy roadways.

7. Works frequently outside the office and is exposed to above average dust,dirt, odors and smoke.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS

1. Must possess the ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.

2. Must be able to sit and/or drive for long periods throughout the workday with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching as necessary to carry out essential job duties.

3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands, feet/legs and torso as necessary to carry out job duties.

4. Sedentary work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten pounds.

5. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.

6. Must be able to physically and mentally react quickly in the event of a disturbance or physical outbreak.

7. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.

8. Must be able to work with clients who carry or who may carry the active hepatitis, HIV or other infectious diseases.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. EDUCATION/TRAINING

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice or the Behavioral Sciences; graduate study in the educational, behavioral or social sciences may be substituted for required experience at the rate of twelve (12) credits for every six (6) months of experience. Must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. Act 33 and 34 Clearances required.

B. WORK EXPERIENCE

One year of experience as a rape crisis/domestic violence advocate; any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience which has provided the qualifications cited above. Previous grant writing and administration is a plus.

C. CLEARANCE

Must obtain clearances and pass a background check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties.

2. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.

3. Must possess initiative and problem-solving skills.

4. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers and others.

5. Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records.

6. Must possess ability to operate personal computer and related software, to type and utilize other office equipment and to prepare required reports.

7. Must attend Foundational Academy upon hire.

8. Must complete 10 hours of continuing education per year.

9. Must be able understand grants and application procedure for grants.

10. Must possess ability to make accurate observations and documentation of same in regard to clients’ needs and make determinations of risk assessment.

11. Must possess knowledge of child development and the ability to conduct assessments.

12. Must possess the ability to express empathy and understanding to all clients.

13. Must be able to interact effectively with children and youth, department staff, counselors, attorneys and the courts.

14. Must have some knowledge of the judicial and court system as it relates to child services.

15. Must have transportation available and a willingness to travel for work-related job duties.

ATTENTION APPLICANTS:

All applicants are required to submit a County Application for Employment in order to be considered for this position.

Veterans claiming veterans’ hiring preference must provide a valid DD214 form that clearly displays an honorable or general discharge and dates of service completed.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

EOE M/F/D/V **THE COUNTY OF VENANGO IS A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.**

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16