Victim/Witness Coordinator (District Attorney Department) - County of Berks

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POSITION SUMMARY:

The Juvenile Victim/Witness Coordinator is charged with assuring all victims and witnesses to crimes are afforded their rights under the PA Victims’ Bill of Rights and in compliance with the Pennsylvania Juvenile Court Judges Commission. The employee in this position, which is funded through a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, performs a variety of advanced typing and clerical duties, including:

1. Provide basic explanations of the juvenile justice system to victims of crimes;
2. Accompanies victims to court proceedings; and 
3. Assists crime victims in completing a myriad of forms and statements required by the courts.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions: Juvenile Victim/Witness Coordinator:

• Provides victims with information regarding the Victim’s Bill of Rights.
• Makes contact with the victim prior to a detention hearing to: inform them of the case status, provide notice of the hearing date, provide them with a victim claim form and victim impact statement. 
• Upon request, assists victims in completing crime victim compensation and restitution forms, and victim impact statements.
• Provides orientation and accompaniment to court proceedings and, if necessary, provides child care.
• Verifies and calculates the restitution forms provided by victims and forwards the information to the assigned Probation Officer prior to the final hearing. 
• Provides written notice to victims regarding the following: the disposition review hearing, final disposition of case, changes in the juvenile’s incarceration status, and termination of the juvenile court jurisdiction. 
• Serves as a liaison between victims/witnesses and the Assistant District Attorneys to disseminate information concerning ongoing court cases, including case status, outstanding restitution, special instructions, and other vital information, as necessary.
• Utilize the District Attorney’s Prosecutor’s Management System (PMS) and the Pennsylvania Juvenile Case Management System (PaJCMS) computerized database program for data entry functions associated with preparing notification letters, etc.
• Monitors and maintains statistical information on all services provided.
• Notify of their right to provide prior comment prior to the release or transfer of a juvenile from placement. This notification is provided through our brochure, through our website, and in-person contact. 
• Advise victims that the assigned Assistant District Attorney will contact them regarding eligibility into any diversionary program. Advise the victim that they can provide oral or written comment to the attorney.
• Notify the victim of their opportunity to receive released property through our brochure and at the official court hearing. If the victim still wants the return of the property, advocate for its expeditious return. If the property cannot be returned right away, provide the victim with information as to when they can expect its return. Advocate to the attorney and affiant that the evidence is kept secure. 
• Provide a brief explanation to all victims about the Victims Compensation Assistance Program in our brochure. If the victim appears eligible for VCAP, include a more detailed letter in their intake packet. Assist victims with the preparation, filing, and follow-up of the claims. Contact service providers and/or creditors to explain VCAP when necessary. Ensure that all victims eligible for VCAP have received a claim form.
• Facilitates victim/offender mediation upon request. 

Non-Essential Functions:                                                                                          

Assists clerical support personnel as necessary, including performing receptionist duties and numbering, sorting, and labeling files and clerk’s mail.                 

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• While an Associate’s Degree may be acceptable, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Paralegal Studies/Social Services is preferred.
• Two years experience in the criminal justice field, serving as a paralegal or legal secretary, preferably in a District Attorney’s Office, a private law firm with an emphasis on criminal practice, or a social service agency.
• Prior customer service experience with an emphasis on heavy contact with both the general public and all levels of professionals, both face-to-face and by telephone
• Prior experience utilizing computer database programs to retrieve and manipulate information, as well as word processing and spreadsheet experience.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Successful completion of employment background check, including NCIC criminal check.
• Thorough working knowledge of general office practice and business English. 
• Spanish language skills, while not required, are desirable.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public and government officials in a highly charged, emotional setting.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be self-motivated.
• Good, accurate typing skills using either a typewriter or computer keyboard, with the minimum acceptable speed of 60 WPM with 85% accuracy.
• Must be able to attend and successfully receive a minimum of 10 hours of training per year.
• A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license must be possessed and maintained, with access to a reliable automobile to transport employees to preliminary hearings held throughout the County.
• Possess a basic understanding of word processing software (Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect preferred), spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel preferred), and basic database concepts.
• Understanding of office methods, rules, practices, and procedures.
• Capable of understanding and carrying out oral and written directions.
• Able to maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties, including all other employees.
• Tact, discretion, and professionalism in dealing with members of the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical lifting of multiple files and file boxes as necessary.  The maximum weight of boxes is approximately 15 pounds, which is usually required once per week.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Clean, climate-controlled office setting.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.