Victim Advocate

Type:Full TimeSalary/Pay Rate:$45,000 - $54,000Posted Date:02/26/2024 10:05 AM

Prosecutor's Office

Full-time, 35 hour per week, Exempt

Under the direction of the Victim-Witness Coordinator, provides advocate services to crime victims, witnesses and their families to cope with the financial and emotional problems encountered as a result of becoming a crime victim or witness; provides assistance during court proceedings; provides social service referrals; does other related duties.

Essential Functions

• Advocate consults with crime victims and witnesses to provide information, advice or assistance.

• Reviews cases with victims and witnesses; notifies victims of their rights and of the status of their cases.

• Provides assistance to victims and witnesses to resolve the problems associated with court appearances (i.e., lost wages, childcare, transportation, etc.).

• Advocate may accompany victims to Prosecutor's Office interviews, grand- jury or court to provide support.

• Advocate responds to questions or concerns regarding criminal justice system procedures, rules and regulations. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program.

• Advocate provides referrals for needed services, which may include counseling, social services and self-help groups.

• Provides guidance to victims to prepare and deliver victim impact statements; provides advice to victims in filing claims with the Victims of Crime Compensation Office.

• Advocate participates in the preparation of informational brochures; will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic information systems used by the agency and office; and maintain timely records of victim services/contacts in the InfoShare computer program.

• Advocate may participate in public speaking engagements to educate the public on the work of the program.

• The Victim Advocate may, if needed, be required to travel to Municipal Courts throughout the County to offer these services to victims in Municipal Court.

• This may require the Victim Advocate to adjust their work schedules to attend late afternoon and early evening Municipal Court sessions.

Essential Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a social science or criminal justice.

• One (1) year of experience providing advice and referral services to individuals or groups coping with social, emotional, psychological or other problems.

• Good interpersonal skills and effective communication abilities; Knowledge of the criminal justice process, legal terminology and laws related to victims' rights; Knowledge of the economic, social and emotional effects likely to be experienced by crime victims. Knowledge of the problems likely to be encountered by crime victims and witnesses.

• Knowledge of the types of social and community services likely to be needed by crime victims. Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations.

• Ability to provide advice and assistance to crime victims and witnesses.

• Ability to identify the types of services needed by crime victims and witnesses and provide referrals.

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program.

• Ability to prepare reports; ability to maintain essential records and files.

• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual information systems used in the agency, office or related units; and ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the Advocate.

• Appointees will be required to possess a valid New Jersey driver's license.