Victim Witness Advocate

The primary goal of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program is to reduce the level of secondary injury associated with the aftermath of crime; and to aid in the prosecution of criminal cases. The victim witness assistance program also ensures that crime victims and witnesses are provided with the entitlements and services mandated by the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L.c. 258B), and those additional services provided as a policy of the program within the Middle District Attorney's office.

Duties and responsibilities include but not limited to:

* Provide services for all victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process;
* Provide notice to victims and witnesses of court events and proceedings;
* Plan and assist victims and witnesses with safety plan and protection, including applying for restraining orders;
* Referrals for medical, legal, and financial assistance, shelter, and other social services;
* Orient victims and witnesses to the criminal justice system; explain the criminal justice process and court process and court procedures;
* Crisis intervention and emotional support;
* Orientation to court facilities, accompaniment and support during court proceedings;
* Provision of a separate and secure waiting area within the courthouse;
* Assistance with restitution, witness fees, and filing victim compensation application;
* Assistance with property return and intervention with employers, landlords and creditors;
* Arranging for victims and witnesses to confer and provide input to prosecutors about a sentencing recommendation, before trial, or dismissal of a case, and before hearings about a victim's confidential records;
* Assistance in preparation of a victim impact statement to the court;
* Assistance with applying for notification of an inmate's status or CORI;
* Arrange accommodations and transportation services, when appropriate;
* Assess and evaluate needs of victim and witnesses, assist with referrals for appropriate services such as shelter, mental health counseling, peer support groups, emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocation;
* Arrange for interpreter for victims and witnesses who do not speak English or uses sign language;
* Accompany victims and witnesses to the courtroom in which they are to testify;
* Responsible for the statistical and reporting activities of the program in accordance with the funding grants; and
* Prepare and submit Time in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree preferred in human services, criminal justice or related field and/or Associate's degree with previous experience in working with victims of violent crime;
* Strong working knowledge of criminal court system;
* Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
* Ability to work in a fast paced environment;
* Strong written and oral communication skills;
* Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and maturity in handling sensitive matters;
* Self-motivated individual who works well both independently and as part of a team;
* Always displays the utmost professional appearance;
* Foster a cooperative working relationship with all District Attorney's staff, Trial court staff, Police officers and community agencies to enhance the delivery of services to crime victims;
* Sensitivity to and ability to respond appropriately to cultural differences of the public and staff;
* A commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems, including the ability to set appropriate boundaries; and
* Interest in crime victim/witness rights and services.