Victim Witness Coordinator
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provides notification to all victims and witnesses regarding their rights, case status, Subpoena cancellation, significant developments in the case and final disposition. Responds to inquiries from victims/witnesses and assists victims in enforcing rights.
Collects Victim Restitution information, prepares appropriate paperwork and assists in collection of victim restitution.
Serves as liaison between prosecutor and victims. Is available to discuss case with victims, including possible disposition, restitution requests, and victim impact information.
Ensures the Victim/Witness program performs all required services, including, but not limited to, referrals and assistance with the Crime Victim Compensation Program under Chapter 949 State Statutes; information and referrals to social services, mental health professionals, advocate/shelter programs and other resources as appropriate, and Subpoena cancellations.
Notifies witnesses of the existence of witness fees and the procedure for obtaining assistance. Assists prosecutors in managing and preparing witnesses for Court. Keeps prosecutor apprised of potential problems with witnesses. Intercedes with employers if requested in order to obtain voluntary cooperation and minimize disruption.
Provide information to victims/witnesses regarding personal support services available to them while in Court. Accompanies or arranges for accompaniment of witnesses to Court appearances. Explains proceedings to victims and witnesses.
Informs victims of their right to have personal property returned and refer victims to the appropriate law enforcement agency for return of the property. Makes direct contact with law enforcement agencies to obtain release of victim’s property.
Informs victims and witnesses of protections available and who to contact if threatened or harassed. Alerts appropriate law enforcement agencies and prosecutors of threats or harassment.
Provides information and referrals especially suited to children victim/witnesses using explanation and language understood by the child regarding all legal proceedings in which the child is involved.
Provides advice to the Court concerning child(ren) victim/witnesses’ ability to understand legal proceedings and questions being asked including assistance and determinations concerning video-taped depositions, appropriate action to assure prompt trial, and assessment of adverse impact of a Court delay or continuance might have on a child(ren) victim/witnesses.
Establishes relationships to develop trust with child victims and their families, victims in crisis, community groups and others, as appropriate.
Prepares and submits request for reimbursement of program expenses from the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Completes annual report for Department of Justice as requested.
Recommends and drafts policies and procedure revisions for Managing Attorney as deemed necessary to improve the integrated work environment.
Provides information regarding crime victim witness services to the public.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of current information related to Victim/Witness services, including, but not limited to criminal justice system and legal procedures; victims’ rights and services; community-based programs and resources.
Ability to communicate appropriately/professionally with judges, attorneys, law enforcement, other agencies and courthouse personnel.
Ability to use appropriate empathy and assertiveness skills.
Skill to interact with others using sensitivity, compassion and tact.
Ability to read and accurately interpret statutory language regarding administrative details of the legal process.
Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits requiring minimal direction and supervision.
Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications consistent for this position.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems, and interpreting policies and regulations.
Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, within the provisions of open records laws and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.
PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
Work has standard vision requirements.
Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting.
Deadline Note: Open Until Filled