Victim Witness Legal Assistant - Lincoln County

The Lincoln County State’s Attorney’s Office is growing, and we are inviting applications for a new Victim Witness Legal Assistant to join our legal team in Canton, SD. The Victim Witness Assistant performs professional social work in providing assistance to victims and witnesses of crimes. Responsibilities include explaining case procedures to clients and assisting them with procedures and processes, accompanying victims and witnesses to the courtroom, advocating, referring, and coordinating services for clients within and outside the criminal justice system, assisting attorneys in preparing and interviewing victims and witnesses for legal proceedings, preparing grant applications and reports, and educating law enforcement, attorneys, and the community about services available to victims and witnesses.   

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Degree in social work or a related field with two years of relevant experience. A comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Must complete pre-employment background process.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in a social work or related field. Working knowledge of dynamics of domestic violence.   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of modern social work theory and practices.  Ability to work effectively with victims and witnesses of the criminal justice system. Ability to use computer screen and keyboard for extended periods of time. Ability to understand and follow written and verbal directions. Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Capability to handle situations firmly, tactfully, and impartially. Ability to work well with diverse backgrounds.   Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public. Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor.

What will you be expected to do:

• Carry and manage a caseload of victims and witnesses. File and maintain case records and statistical data. Request and obtain evidence from clients, law enforcement, and other sources. Prepare correspondence, and handle notification of, and disputes over, awards to clients.
• Accompany clients into the courtroom and grand jury and explain case procedures to clients. Assist clients with procedures and processes including restitution, protection orders, safety plans, etc., and provide clients with additional guidance through legal system as needed.
• Provide crisis counseling and intervention for clients. Diffuse emotional situations with clients.
• Assist prosecutors during trials by interviewing and preparing clients for legal proceedings, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of cases, and transporting victims and witnesses to court proceedings.  Provide additional assistance to attorneys as directed.
• Advocate, refer, and coordinate services for victims and witnesses within and outside the criminal justice system including Crime Victims Compensation, social service agencies, and other service providers. Arrange emergency childcare for victims and witnesses and monitor offender progress in court ordered treatment programs.
• Establish and coordinate with other agencies to provide programs or projects designed to educate the community about victim witness program. Train and educate law enforcement and attorneys on services available to victims and witnesses.