Victim Witness Assistant Coordinator

Position Overview

This role involves providing essential support and assistance to victims and witnesses within the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney. The coordinator facilitates communication among victims, witnesses, legal professionals, and community organizations while guiding victims through the criminal justice system. Ensuring adherence to victim rights laws and managing confidential records are key aspects of this position. The job reports to the Commonwealth's Attorney or their delegate and may involve other assigned duties. This is a full-time, grant-funded role requiring 40 hours per week on-site.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact point for assigned victims and witnesses, offering information, emotional support, referrals, and assistance throughout legal proceedings.
• Clarify court procedures, victim rights, protective orders, restitution options, and accessible community resources aligned with the Virginia Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act.
• Facilitate communication among victims, witnesses, prosecutors, law enforcement, courts, and service providers to ensure timely and accurate information flow.
• Assist victims in completing compensation applications, restitution paperwork, notification forms, and other required documents.
• Provide courtroom orientation and preparation for hearings, trials, and related judicial events.
• Maintain confidential case files and records, input data into computerized systems, and generate correspondence and other documentation.
• Coordinate scheduling of meetings, interviews, court appearances, and notify parties about court dates, changes, plea deals, sentencing, and offender updates.
• Connect victims with community agencies offering counseling, shelter, advocacy, and financial support.
• Engage in outreach, produce educational materials, and support public awareness initiatives concerning victim services.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with judges, court staff, law enforcement, community groups, and the public, upholding confidentiality and professionalism.
• Collaborate closely with prosecutors and other office personnel to meet program goals, demonstrating integrity, fairness, respect, and a positive demeanor.
• Accompany victims and witnesses to court, provide courtroom tours, and clarify judicial procedures.
• Refer victims to appropriate crisis intervention, medical treatment, counseling, and support services.
• Distribute information about victim rights in accordance with the Victim Rights Act.
• Keep victims and witnesses updated on significant progress in their cases.
• Explain the victim impact statement process and restitution procedures.
• Arrange appointments for victims and witnesses to prepare for trials.
• Offer empathetic support recognizing the emotional and informational needs of victims.
• Compile reports, create and distribute written materials, and maintain accurate documentation.

Qualifications and Preferences

• Associate's degree from an accredited institution in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or a related discipline is mandatory.
• Bachelor’s degree in the aforementioned fields is preferred.
• One to three years of relevant experience in human services, victim advocacy, legal support, or similar sectors is required.
• Prior experience within a court system, Commonwealth Attorney's office, law enforcement agency, or victim service program is advantageous.
• Possession of a valid Virginia Driver’s License with a clean record is mandatory.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including active listening, flexibility, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
• Familiarity with local and state criminal justice systems, case management, crisis intervention, legal terminology, and the effects of victimization.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships, maintain detailed records, and proficiently use standard office technology and software.
• Must pass a thorough criminal background check.

Additional Information

• This position does not involve supervisory duties.
• Candidates should be able to fulfill the physical and environmental requirements outlined in the job description.