Campus Pride Jobs

Victim Advocate - Special Victims Unit

SOUTH BEND, IN

Full Time Position FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide advocacy to victims of crime on behalf of St. Joseph County and the State of Indiana, including the following duties: Coordinate work schedule to share responsibility with other advocates to work with child victims and victims of out-of-custody Defendants. As needed represent the Prosecutors Office as Advocate for cases filed at the Juvenile Justice Center. Provide assistance to victims of crime, including sending letters to victims to advise them of criminal charges and/or developments in criminal cases, answering inquiries from victims about case status, and making referrals to appropriate local and state service agencies that assist victims of crime. Contact victims as requested by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys to provide information or to assist in the preparation of victims and witnesses for trial. Advise paralegals and attorneys about victim or witness questions. Provides assistance to victims of crime at the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC), as needed. Also assists with domestic violence advocates at SVU as needed. Participate in victim case reviews and meetings, primarily in cases with out-of-custody suspects. Meetings will include deputy prosecutors, police investigators, and paralegals. Help victims identify their needs as well as provide information about local social service agencies that may be able to address those needs. Provide victims with information about the criminal justice process so that they are aware of their rights as a victim and how to utilize those rights as an active participant in the process. Coordinate with state agencies regarding information and services for victims of crime. Coordinate with local service agencies to obtain information regarding referral process and services provided to victims of crime; providing referral and service information to victims of crime as appropriate. Maintain and provide regular documentation of victim contact to Director of Victim/Witness Services for compliance reports to grant funding sources. Other duties as determined by the Director of Victim/Witness Services.

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required.Undergraduate degree in social work or criminal justice or 10 years prior experience working with victims of crime preferred. Strong communication and interpersonal skills required. Advocate will use database to enter victim contacts and to prepare reports. Work attributes: Advocate must be able to coordinate with Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys and Paralegals on the status of the cases and the needs/questions of victims throughout prosecution. Position requires self-starting ability, organization, and strong interpersonal skills. Advocate must be able to communicate with victims in writing, in person, and by telephone. Education and Professional Competence: Experience working with victims of crime preferred. Strong communication and interpersonal skills required. Physical Demands: Position does not require any heavy, repetitive, or overhead lifting. Position requires familiarity with normal office machines and computer skills. Work environment: Interior office environment in close proximity to other employees. Salary range: Pay is determined at the onset of hire based upon prior experience. Periodic adjustments may be made by county offices or by Office of the Prosecutor if duties change.