VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM ASSISTANT

at  Arlington County VA

POSITION INFORMATION

Are you committed to the ideals of public safety, justice, and healing? If you are, you will find a fulfilling workplace at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office!
The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County is seeking to fill an entry level grant-funded Victim Witness Program Assistant position to provide administrative support to the Victim Witness Program staff and provide guidance to victims of crime, some of whom speak Spanish and may have difficulty communicating in English.
The Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is an “at-will” office. Employees are not subject to the same employment protections as other County employees.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A background check will be conducted on all candidates who are finalists for the position. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit check and may require signing a release authorizing the County to obtain this information. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant’s driving record and criminal history.

• Contacting victims of crimes to explain legal and courtroom procedures, assisting in filing claims with the Virginia Victims Fund, and providing pertinent information on social service agencies and resource programs;
• Serving as liaison with victims, prosecution, law enforcement, court officials, and allied professionals;
• Providing crisis intervention and referrals for supportive counseling to minimize the traumatic impact of crime and the criminal justice process;
• Using the police department’s database to obtain and review police reports to assist with preparing cases for trial;
• Compiling information relevant to cases;
• Assisting victims and providing information on their rights and on the court process;
• Representing the Victim/Witness Program in community events and/or providing training on victim services;
• Learn and become conversant about restorative justice.
• Tracking cases and services provided to victims using the Virginia Services Data Collection System (VSDCS) and Prosecutor by Karpel (PBK) case management system; and
• Performing administrative functions such as preparing court dockets, composing letters and narrative reports, filing, faxing, answering phones and ordering program supplies.
  The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, highly organized individual with excellent time management and communication skills (oral and written) and has the ability to work with a diverse population.
  The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is committed to transformative justice in the promotion of effective victim/survivor services, evidence-based diversion programs, and racial justice. Working in a major metropolitan area’s prosecutor’s office offers you a broad spectrum of experience and provides ample opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and comradery. The Office is responsible for both adult and juvenile prosecutions for crimes that range from DUI to aggravated assaults, complex fraud investigations, rapes, and murders. Victim Witness Assistants are an essential member of the team supporting victims/survivors, specifically centering voice, agency, and mitigating trauma throughout the criminal legal process.