What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim Witness Specialist position at Larimer County?
Overview
Looking to hire a Victim Witness Specialist (VWS)!
Victim Witness Specialists within Larimer County Community Corrections (LCCC) and the Alternative Sentencing Department (ASD) serve as a vital resource for crime victims whose offenders are supervised by our programs. The primary focus of this position is ensuring victims' rights are upheld while providing compassionate advocacy, support, education, and ongoing communication throughout the post-sentencing process.
Victim Witness Specialists work closely with victims to gather and communicate victim input during the Community Corrections acceptance process, provide notifications regarding client status and significant case events, and serve as a consistent point of contact as victims navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system after sentencing. They help victims understand the sentence imposed, explain their rights, answer questions, and provide guidance and referrals to appropriate resources.
As members of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) team, Victim Witness Specialists also respond to reports of sexual abuse and sexual harassment involving clients supervised by LCCC and ASD. They provide victim-centered support, advocacy, and referrals while collaborating with facility staff to ensure reports are handled in accordance with PREA standards.
In addition to supporting crime victims in the community, Victim Witness Specialists meet with clients supervised by LCCC and ASD who are seeking victim services, providing education, support, and referrals that promote healing, accountability, and safety for everyone involved.
This position is ideal for someone who is compassionate, organized, and able to balance advocacy with collaboration in a fast-paced criminal justice environment. Successful candidates are skilled communicators who are committed to trauma-informed, victim-centered practices and enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
The typical schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with work conducted in the office. The current vacancy is within our Alternative Sentencing Department.
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Responsibilities
What you'll be doing:
What We're Looking For
All candidates will be screened for the following required minimum qualifications. Any candidate who does not meet all of the qualifications listed as required will be eliminated from the process.
Here’s what Larimer County offers for all Regular, Limited Term, and Appointed positions:
Supplemental Information
An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required pre-employment checks or testing.
All application components must be submitted by 11:59 PM MT on the closing date listed.
Larimer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulation.
Looking to hire a Victim Witness Specialist (VWS)!
Victim Witness Specialists within Larimer County Community Corrections (LCCC) and the Alternative Sentencing Department (ASD) serve as a vital resource for crime victims whose offenders are supervised by our programs. The primary focus of this position is ensuring victims' rights are upheld while providing compassionate advocacy, support, education, and ongoing communication throughout the post-sentencing process.
Victim Witness Specialists work closely with victims to gather and communicate victim input during the Community Corrections acceptance process, provide notifications regarding client status and significant case events, and serve as a consistent point of contact as victims navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system after sentencing. They help victims understand the sentence imposed, explain their rights, answer questions, and provide guidance and referrals to appropriate resources.
As members of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) team, Victim Witness Specialists also respond to reports of sexual abuse and sexual harassment involving clients supervised by LCCC and ASD. They provide victim-centered support, advocacy, and referrals while collaborating with facility staff to ensure reports are handled in accordance with PREA standards.
In addition to supporting crime victims in the community, Victim Witness Specialists meet with clients supervised by LCCC and ASD who are seeking victim services, providing education, support, and referrals that promote healing, accountability, and safety for everyone involved.
This position is ideal for someone who is compassionate, organized, and able to balance advocacy with collaboration in a fast-paced criminal justice environment. Successful candidates are skilled communicators who are committed to trauma-informed, victim-centered practices and enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
The typical schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with work conducted in the office. The current vacancy is within our Alternative Sentencing Department.
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Responsibilities
What you'll be doing:
- Informing crime victims of their right to provide statements to the Community Corrections Board, coordinating statement submission, and following up on placement decisions.
- Notifying victims of offender status updates, including entry, furlough, transfers, revocation, escapes, warrants, and releases from Community Corrections or Alternative Jail.
- Collaborating with victim services in Law Enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, Probation, and Department of Corrections to ensure seamless support for victims.
- Connecting victims with community and system-based advocates, including SAVA, Crossroads Safehouse, ATV, private therapists, and support groups.
- Assisting with criminal/civil protection orders, restitution, victim compensation, and impact statements.
- Accompaning victims to court or meetings as needed.
- Helping victims register for offender apprehension or release notifications.
- Providing victim response for Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) cases and serving on the PREA team.
- Supporting and referring CJA clients as necessary.
- Participating in grant review and monitoring.
- Delivering Victims' Rights Act training and education on victim issues to new and current CJA staff.
- Serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for victim concerns and information in the Larimer Offender Information System.
What We're Looking For
- Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and the Colorado Victim Rights Act.
- Strong communication skills and effective delivery.
- Understanding of confidentiality and maintaining a compassionate, empathetic approach.
- Resourcefulness and basic crisis intervention and safety planning skills.
All candidates will be screened for the following required minimum qualifications. Any candidate who does not meet all of the qualifications listed as required will be eliminated from the process.
- Two (2) years of experience in a directly related field or in the performance of similar duties and responsibilities; public service experience and experience working with victims and/or witnesses preferred.
- Possession of a valid Driver's License by date of hire required.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills preferred.
Here’s what Larimer County offers for all Regular, Limited Term, and Appointed positions:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
- FSA or HSA (depending on the medical plan)
- Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Basic Life/AD&D Insurance
- Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
- Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Supplemental Information
An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required pre-employment checks or testing.
All application components must be submitted by 11:59 PM MT on the closing date listed.
Larimer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulation.