Victim Witness Specialist - Domestic Violence Fast Track en Douglas County Government (CO), CO

About the Department

This position performs semi-complex telephone and personal contact work to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence in county court filings; seeks to minimize the negative effect of the criminal justice system; and provides education, referrals, and assistance with the establishment of safety plans.  This position is responsible for maintaining accurate and timely documentation of all victim contacts, interactions, and referrals in accordance with grant reporting requirements.  

This position also provides a variety of work related to additional crime victims and witnesses in court matters, supports prosecutors in the preparation, organization, and prosecution of criminal cases through a variety of activities including, but not limited to: 

• Scheduling and managing victim/witness meetings and interviews. 
• Legal clerical duties in support of the Unit.
• Clerical functions to notify crime victims of rights afforded them under the Victim Rights Amendment.
• Monitors activities and assists visitors in the courthouse victim/witness waiting room.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.)

Domestic Violence Fast Track Specialist 
Receives, reads, and evaluates arrest/incident reports from law enforcement agency victim assistants to ascertain applicability of the case to the Domestic Violence (DV) Fast Track Program.  Meets with victims to help determine history of violence, ascertain child concerns, determine impact of crime, establish and review safety plans, and gather input for dispositional consideration; conveys all information to a deputy district attorney.  Helps recruit, train, and schedule volunteers to assist in the DV Fast Track Program. 
Provides victims with relevant information regarding court processes and hearings; facilitates community/professional resource referrals; assists with the application process to seek Victim Compensation monies; assesses and responds as applicable to special victim needs (e.g. mental/physical handicap, language barriers, etc.); accompanies and provides support to victims at arraignment; contacts victims upon case dispositions or case statuses after the defendant’s initial court appearance.
Documents victim demographic information and tracks services provided, including phone calls, in-person meetings, referrals to community organizations, and notifications of court events.  This individual will work closely with the Victim/Witness Lead, Victim/Witness Director, and/or other grant managers to ensure data is entered, tracked, and submitted in a timely manner to meet reporting deadlines.  

Victim/Witness Specialist 
Greets victims and witnesses upon arriving at court; explains the criminal justice system, processes, procedures, and legal terminology to victims and witnesses; answers questions and provides information to assist them with the process of court proceedings and procedures (e.g. shelter, safety, transportation, compensation, therapy, and community referrals); ensures witnesses are present for hearings and appear at the appropriate times; accompanies victims to court when they testify or when they are present for other hearings; provides court tours for victims and families to increase their awareness of the criminal justice system.
 
 Assists prosecutors in case preparation through education and problem solving with victims and witnesses to ensure their cooperation and timely appearance in court; informs prosecutors of any potential witness problems or special needs of victims or witnesses; schedules witness appointments for prosecutors and schedules witnesses' trial appearance within a previously defined time frame or at attorney request; arranges transportation, food allowance, and hotel accommodations for out-of-state witnesses.
 
 Works with staff to ensure all notification of “critical stages” (pursuant to the Victims’ Rights Amendment) is done accurately and in a timely manner; creates and maintains factual case records; familiarizes victims with legislation affecting their rights within the criminal justice system.
 
 Initiates and responds to a wide variety of in-person and telephone contacts with crime victims, police, and lay witnesses to provide factual case-related information; communicates with personnel from various departments (e.g. social services, police agencies, probation offices, hospitals, doctor offices, detention facilities and schools) to support particular needs of victims and witnesses.
 
 Monitors witness lists to ensure cases have necessary witnesses for trials and various types of hearings; keeps prosecutors informed of witness status and potential conflicts; electronically prepares personal service requests to ensure the attendance of victims and witnesses; provides basic investigative assistance to locate victims and/or witnesses whose whereabouts are unknown. Logs and maintains subpoena waiver cards for immediate reference.
 
 Generates simple correspondence; collects information for the preparation of petitions for payment of witness expenses; makes telephone calls to a variety of agencies regarding case status and other inquiries; reviews police reports on elder abuse cases and contacts social services to gather necessary additional information (e.g. the status of the case, appropriate handling of case).
 
 Inputs victim/witness contact information into ACTION (District Attorney database) to generate a variety of required correspondence (e.g. subpoenas for trial or notification letters that provide case information and statutory notifications).

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in victim assistance, human services, criminal justice or closely related field or four (4) years’ experience in crime victim services.  
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment. 
• This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check including fingerprinting through a national database.

Other Qualifications

For more information on job functions, requirements and to apply please visit: https://douglasco.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/5/home/requisition/2940?c=douglasco&sq=req2940

Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. 
For a more detailed overview please view the full Employee Benefit Guide.