Juvenile Court Victim/ Witness Assistance Coordinator - Orleans Parish District Attorney

Juvenile Court Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinator

Job Qualifications and Description

Victim Advocates are trained to support victims and survivors of crime. Advocates serve as liaisons between victims and witnesses and the criminal court. The advocate advises the victim as to how the criminal justice system works through its processes. Advocates offer emotional support, victims' rights information, help in finding needed resources, and assistance in filling out crime victim related forms. Advocates work with other organizations, such as counseling agencies and social service providers, to get help or information for the victims we serve.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Licensed Counselor or Master of Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, or other mental health field preferred
2. Excellent organization skills and attention to detail for orderly recordkeeping and systematic tracking of cases
3. Skills in direct service delivery, public relations, and strategic planning
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills
5. Passion for and understanding of juvenile justice reform

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Ensure that victims/witnesses are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity, and that the rights as provided by Louisiana law are honored and protected
• Coordinate with ADAs to identify and assist crime victims/witnesses
• Serve to prepare victims/witnesses for court proceedings
• Establish and promote better communication between the juvenile justice system and the victim/witnesses
• Inform the victim/witnesses of the rights provided to them by Louisiana law
• Provide the victim/witness correct and timely information regarding the judicial process, case status, and case outcome
• Provide direct services to the victim/witness
• Complete a full intake, including a psychosocial assessment of client's needs
• Provide crisis intervention services to victims/witnesses
• Provide case management including referral and follow-up to programs that support crime victims and witnesses, and provide any needed services
• Assist client with Crime Victim Reparations (CVR) applications
• Assist in the victim/witness registration for the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System
• Provide explanation and notification of court proceedings
• Serve to prepare the victim/witness for court proceedings and testimony when needed, and attend any court sessions are required
• Coordinate meetings with the victim/witnesses and the prosecuting attorney to determine the following:
  • Facts of the case
  • Whether the victim is requesting restitution
  • Discuss plea negotiations
  • Provide for safety planning and relocation when needed
  • Complete documentation on all case contacts
  • Attend regular case review meetings with the Director of Social Services
  • Attend yearly continuing education trainings
  • Engaging in community outreach and educating on crime prevention
  • Perform other duties as needed

*Please note: the Juvenile Victim Witness Advocate will be housed outside of the District Attorney's main office and will report mainly to the Chief of Juvenile Division and the assigned Juvenile Court ADAs in addition to the Chief of Victims' Services

EEO STATEMENT

OPDA is an equal opportunity employer. The office values a diverse workforce and management reflective of the communities that is serves. Accordingly, OPDA adheres to a policy of making employment, promotion, and other personnel decisions without regard to race, culture, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, caregiver status, age, disability, or other legally protected status.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

OPDA is dedicated to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that OPDA employees invest in their work represents a significant part of the office's culture, reputation, and achievement. Accordingly, OPDA embraces and encourages employees' differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity of expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make its employees unique.