Victim Witness Program Assistant

Victim Witness Program AssistantThe Victim Witness Program Assistant will provide a variety of administrative assistance to Victim Witness Advocates as well as direct assistance to victims and witnesses of crime occurring in the City of Lynchburg. The Program Assistant will initiate contact with victims of crimes to assess safety, provide information, and assist victims in understanding and navigating the criminal justice system. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program protects the rights of victims and witnesses of crime set forth in the Code of Virginia (§ 19.2-11.01) Crime victim and witness rights.Essential DutiesReceives warrants and police reports from legal assistants and enters victim information, tracks cases and documents services provided to victims into the Victim Services Data Collection system.Receives, screens and directs inquiries both by phone and in person, from victims, other service providers, attorneys, law enforcement and the general public.Provides direct services including contact with victims to assure victims are provided information related to court appearances and hearings, as well as informing them of changes in the time and date of those appearances and hearing.Assesses the victim's emotional, physical, safety and financial needs; makes referrals to community resources; provides information regarding the Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund and assists with the application process.Processes incoming and outgoing program mail; answers telephone inquiries related to program; maintains, organizes, and keeping up to date records and files.Provides court information and support to victims and/or petitioners and witnesses.Provides appearance information to witnesses; provides employer intercession services when requested; seeks to resolve any appearance problems to assure witness appearance in court.Works with victims in determining accurate restitution by compiling documentation, including estimates, medical bills, insurance documentation etc.Works as a liaison between victims, witnesses and prosecutors.Works with social service agencies, law enforcement agencies, social services and community organizations to provide a coordinated community response for crime victims and the victimization experienced.Participates in ongoing training, classes, courses, to stay appraised of any changes in laws, and in the provision of direct services to victims of crime.Works with volunteers and student interns in coordinated effort to provide services within the victim/witness assistance program.Performs other duties as assigned.Minimum Education and Experience RequiredTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCEBachelor's Degree in criminal justice, social work, sociology, or psychology, or other closely related field.Previous experience in working within the criminal justice system, the civil and criminal protective order process assisting crime victims or individuals in crisis.Additional RequirementsMust successfully pass criminal background check.BenefitsThe City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverageRetirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefitLife insurance at no cost to the employeeOptional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistancePaid Time OffEmployees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the positionEmployees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loansAdditional information about City benefits can be found on our website and in the Employment Policies & Procedures