Victim Witness Specialist – Domestic Violence
Victims @Colorado 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office posted 1 week agoJob Detail
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Job ID 20659
Job Description
 Experience with domestic violence victims is required for this role.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:
Victim Witness Specialists performs semi-complex telephone and personal contact work with crime victims and witnesses in court matters to minimize the negative effect of the criminal justice system; supports deputy district attorneys in the prosecution of criminal cases through a variety of activities, including caseload management, scheduling, managing victim/witness meetings and interviews, arranging for travel, educating and referring victims to resources based on the needs of the victim or witness and the overall needs of the criminal prosecution/investigation.
DUTIES:
- Oversee and document compliance with the Victims’ Rights Act (VRA), ensuring timely and accurate notifications at all critical stages of the criminal justice process.
- Providing emotional support, and advocacy to victims, responding to and de-escalating crises to ensure safety.
- Initiate and respond to all forms of contact with victims and witnesses, providing accurate case updates, guidance, and information on legal proceedings.
- Escort and support victims during pre-court meetings and court proceedings, assist with impact statements, and explain courtroom procedures and expectations.
- Serve as a liaison between victims, Deputy District Attorneys, investigators, and other justice partners to facilitate case preparation and witness management.
- Assess victim needs and provide referrals to compensation programs, legal and financial aid, counseling, and social services.
- Maintain detailed records of victim contacts, services provided, and notifications for VRA compliance and statistical reporting.
- Arrange and track subpoenas, schedule witness appearances, and coordinate travel, lodging, and fee reimbursement for victims and witnesses.
- Explain the criminal justice process, victims’ rights, and available resources; ensure victims understand procedures and expectations.
- Assist prosecutors with case preparation and docket management, ensuring victim and witness participation and timely court readiness
REQUIREMENTS:
Skills, Abilities and Competencies:
- Possess general to considerable knowledge of the criminal justice system, standard legal/court procedures and terminology, and victimization issues, ability to discuss same with victims and witnesses of crimes.
- Possess considerable knowledge of guidelines and statutes, e.g. Victim’s Compensation Policy, Colorado Revised Statutes, Victim Rights enabling legislation, bond hearings, subpoena requests, and restitution issues; ability to find statutes applicable to situation; ability to stay informed and updated on ever-changing statutes.  Ability to provide Criminal Justice System education, status of cases, court support, and referral services to victims.   Ability to be sensitive to the needs of both victims and witnesses and the Criminal Justice System. Possess familiarity with community agencies and resources.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment (e.g. computer, fax, copier), gain working knowledge of word processing/database programs (e.g. Word, E-Mail, Action), and gain working knowledge of procedures on downloading cases on Blackstone and processing notification letters for victims.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and plan aspects of work; handle considerable detail and volume; be persistent and persuasive; perform under pressure in stressful situations with courtesy and tact; establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers, attorneys, other law enforcement agencies’ personnel, and the public, including victims, witnesses, and clients; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with same.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in victim assistance, human services, criminal justice or closely related field
- Four (4) years’ experience in crime victim services
- Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.