Victim Witness Advocates are primarily responsible for providing information, support, and advocacy services to victims, witnesses and their families throughout the criminal justice process.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Orient and explain to victims, witnesses, and family members the court process and their rights throughout that process
• Court accompaniment for victims, witnesses and family members
• Crisis intervention for victims, witnesses, and family members who are in need as a result of their victimization
• Provide written and verbal notification to victims and witnesses regarding arrests, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, hearings, grand jury appearances, trials, defaults, dispositions, restitution hearings, sentencing and appellate proceedings
• Assess and evaluate victim needs and assist with referrals for appropriate services such as: shelter, mental health counseling, peer support groups, emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocation
• Provide formal and informal education and training to criminal justice and community agencies regarding victim rights and victim witness services

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and experience in social services or criminal justice
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and workplace etiquette
• Ability to work well in a high pressure environment with multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality
• A sincere interest in the public sector, the work of the NDAO, an overall understanding of the Criminal Justice System
• The sensitive and confidential nature of our work requires strong personal character, integrity, judgment and maturity
• A general knowledge of office practices and legal principles