Job Description
Victim Witness Advocate
A Victim Witness Advocate works under the supervision of the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Victim Witness Services Division. The Advocate provides information, support and other services to victims, witnesses and their families throughout the criminal justice process. The Victim Witness Advocate is an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney.
The principal responsibilities of the position include:
- Provide services to victims and witnesses in compliance with M.G.L. c. 258B, the "Victim Bill of Rights", and those determined as Division policy;
- Provide crisis intervention to victims and their family members suffering from crime-related trauma;
- Assess and evaluate victim needs and provide appropriate referrals and follow-up;
- Provide court orientation to victims and witnesses and explain court procedures and their role in the process;
- Screen criminal cases for victims and witnesses and complete intake forms;
- Document and maintain case activity for Division and Assistant District Attorney files;
- Collect statistical data;
- Consult and promote relationships with collateral service providers and criminal justice personnel;
- Consult with Assistant District Attorneys throughout all stages of case;
- Provide education and training to criminal justice and victim service agencies and the community regarding victim rights and services;
- Distribute victim rights materials and literature.
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Also, the Victim Witness Advocate performs whatever other duties at whatever job-site as may from time to time be assigned to her/him by the District Attorney, the Division Chief or Deputy Chief, or other designee of the District Attorney.
In addition to the above responsibilities, the Victim Witness Advocate is required:
- To be familiar with and to follow the provisions of the Essex District Attorney's Office Personnel Policies, and the Sexual Harassment Protocol;
- To participate in trainings relevant to Office functions;
- To communicate with or provide timely notification to Office staff, police, and other interested parties, as permitted and/or required by law;
- To interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel and Office staff;
- To complete work assignments in a timely manner.
The essential functions of the position require the effective ability to receive and distribute information in written, oral, and electronic form, in the English language.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Required:
- Associates or Bachelor's degree.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organization skills.
- Ability to assist other units in the office.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
Preferred:
- Conversational abilities in Spanish or other languages.
- Working knowledge of the criminal justice and/or social service systems
- Experience working in a professional office setting.