Victim Advocate

Under the supervision of the Office Manager, provides information and support services for victims of crime. Performs statutorily required duties set forth in the Crime Victims Rights Act. Provides notification of rights and scheduled hearings during the criminal justice process, provides short term crisis intervention, makes referrals to community service agencies, and provides on-going case management to ensure crime victims have the opportunity to fully exercise their rights.

This is a full-time benefited position based out of either the Holland District Court House located at 85 West 8th Street, Holland, MI or the Ottawa County Courthouse located at 414 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI. Travel to other county locations as needed. Typical working hours are 8:00am-5:00pm.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Manages victim rights cases pending in assigned court jurisdiction.  May be assigned to work independently from a branch location.
2. Identifies and opens cases covered by the Crime Victims Rights Act.  Notifies victims of pending criminal charges and provides information regarding their statutory rights.
3. Processes returned victim impact statements and correspondence, updating victim data as needed.  Responds to issues raised by victims or directs concerns to appropriate member of the Prosecutor's staff.
4. Notifies victims and their families of court proceedings and results in cases to which they are parties and responds to questions or concerns regarding the case status or court procedure.
5. Responds to victim inquiries and concerns during the criminal justice process and assists in problem solving. May include short term crisis intervention and/or referral to appropriate human services agencies.
6. Schedules appointments for victims or victim's families to meet with an attorney staff member upon request.
7. At the direction of the assistant prosecuting attorney assigned to a case, may receive special project assignments to assist in case management.
8. Provides short-term post-crisis intervention to victims of crimes; refers victims needing services such as medical assistance, counseling, emergency shelter, legal and/or other assistance to the appropriate agency.
9. Serves as a liaison between victims, prosecutors, law enforcement officers and the courts.
10. Maintains accurate and detailed case records of victim contacts, written notifications and victim input notes in the electronic case management system(s) and/or the physical files.
11. Performs other related functions as assigned.

Associate's degree combined with two years of progressively responsible experience in case management services in criminal justice or court services required. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, sociology, counseling, or other relevant field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.

Required Knowledge and Skills: 

1. Good working knowledge of the Michigan Crime Victims Rights Act -PA 87 of 1985 (M.C.L. 780.751).
2. Good working knowledge of the operation of Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network (MCVNN).
3. Good working knowledge of the criminal and civil court process in the district, circuit, and family courts.
4. Good working knowledge of separation and loss issues.
5. Good working knowledge of civil and criminal law and terminology.
6. Good working knowledge of human behavior, family dynamics and domestic violence.
7. Good working knowledge of community resources available to crime victims and their families.
8. Ability to interact positively and objectively with victims, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, officers of the court, social and human service agency staff, and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying levels of interpersonal communications skills.

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Note:

Verbal and written fluency in Spanish, Cambodian, Lao or other language commonly spoken by one or more demographic groups represented in the population is beneficial.

Physical Requirements: 

Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.

Working Conditions: 

Work is performed in a normal office environment and in the courtroom.

 

Salary : $24 - $31