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INTERNAL UNION APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST CONSIDERATION FOR UNION POSITIONS
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DATE:9/4/23
STATUS:Regular, Full Time
SALARY RANGE:44,141-66,277
TITLE:VICTIM / WITNESS ADVOCATE
GRADE:110
LOCATION:200 N. Main St.
UNION AFFILIATION:AFSCME 2733 Unit B
 
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of a higher classified employee, provides for and coordinates the court appearances of victims and witnesses for the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, coordinating with the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney on criminal cases. Keeps victims and witnesses advised of case status, provides information on the criminal justice process, attends court hearings, assists with victim compensation and the application process, assists with travel arrangements and accommodations when necessary, ensures witness fees are processed, provides community resources and compiles data for reports. Works with victims of all crimes including co-victims of homicides, domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Essential Duties

  • Contacts victims of domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct crimes and family members in any death case once a warrant is authorized to explain court process, notify of bond conditions and assess any needs.
  • Provides victims in felony and misdemeanor cases information on the court process.
  • Analyzes police reports to obtain pertinent information regarding victims/witnesses and case information.
  • Determines need for and requests Interpreters for court hearing for victims/witnesses.
  • Coordinates and attends victim/witness meetings with the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
  • Notifies victims and witnesses by phone and letter of date and time of scheduled court appearances and adjournments.
  • Assists the prosecuting attorney throughout the court process.
  • Attends court proceedings with victims and explains the criminal justice process.
  • Provides crisis intervention to victims/families/witnesses.
  • Acts as a liaison between the victim and other Criminal Justice Agencies such as Law Enforcement Agencies, Courts, and Probation/Parole.
  • Assists Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the trial preparation for victims and witnesses in the case.
  • Provides information and referrals to community services and resources as needed.
  • Reviews jail calls and jail visits to obtain evidence of possible forfeiture by wrongdoing, witness tampering, or threatening behavior, as well as assessing risk factors and victim safety.
  • Informs victims of the Michigan Victim Information and Notification Everyday (MI-VINE) and registers interested victims for automated telephone notification of court information.
  • Provides a safe and private area for victims while they await court appearances.
  • Assist with travel and accommodations for victims and witnesses out of the area as needed.
  • Assists victims with the completion of Victim Impact Statements, Restitution forms and compensation applications for the Crime Victim Services Commission.
  • Organizes victims and witnesses to be called for testimony by compiling lists from information submitted by the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
  • Provides tours of the courthouse/courtrooms and provides court orientation to victims/witnesses.
  • Provides subpoenaed witness information to ensure witness fees are paid.
  • Assists victims in the recovery of stolen property contacting policy agencies and determining what property can be released prior to trial.
  • Provides victims with information regarding services available to them through the County Jail, Department of Corrections and the Parole Board.
  • Attends High Risk Community Team Meetings for safety planning for victims when parole releases are imminent.
  • Provides victim with notification and information should a defendant appeal a conviction.
  • Coordinates services between the Prosecutor¿s Office and other service providers such as SafeHouse Center, Washtenaw Child Advocacy Center, SANE/SART Program, SAPAC.
  • Provides back-up coverage for the Victim/Witness Unit and performs related work as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Michigan Court System and Michigan Laws
  • Issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, the impact of trauma on individuals and crisis intervention.
  • Independent decision making using sound, independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Community services and resources
  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Working with diverse populations, providing culturally sensitive services
  • Proficiency in the use of a Computer
  • Work in an office with an Advocacy Dog
  • Working with diverse populations, providing culturally sensitive services
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Possession of a valid Michigan Driver¿s License and available transportation during work hours to travel between courts. Background investigation required including criminal history check.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer monitor and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.
These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
EDUCATION
Possession of an Associate's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or related field, or its equivalent.
EXPERIENCE
A minimum of one (1) year of experience in a Prosecutor's Office or the criminal justice system working with victims of crime and providing crisis intervention.
This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.

FILING DEADLINE: 9/26/23

CONTROL NUMBER: 2309-4000-1903-0008

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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