Victim Witness Advocates are primarily responsible for providing information, support, and advocacy services to victims, witnesses and their families throughout the criminal justice process.

 

Responsibilities/Duties

Orient and explain to victims, witnesses, and family members the court process and their rights throughout that processCourt accompaniment for victims, witnesses and family members on cases involving child abuse, sexual assault, abuse of disabled persons and elder abuse. Crisis intervention for victims, witnesses, and family members who are in need as a result of their victimizationProvide written and verbal notification to victims and witnesses regarding arrests, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, hearings, grand jury appearances, trials, defaults, dispositions, restitution hearings, sentencing and appellate proceedingsAssess and evaluate victim needs and assist with referrals for appropriate services such as: shelter, mental health counseling, victim compensation, peer support groups, emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocationWork closely with prosecutors, police and other community partners to respond to allegations of abuse and neglectProvide formal and informal education and training to criminal justice and community agencies regarding victim rights and victim witness servicesWill meet with non-offending parents or guardians of child victims while forensic interviews are being conducted at the NAC. Participate as member of multi-disciplinary team on child abuse cases handled at Norfolk Advocates for Children, including support and education for non offending caregivers.

Victim Witness Advocates are primarily responsible for providing information, support, and advocacy services to victims, witnesses and their families throughout the criminal justice process.

 

Responsibilities/Duties

Orient and explain to victims, witnesses, and family members the court process and their rights throughout that processCourt accompaniment for victims, witnesses and family members on cases involving child abuse, sexual assault, abuse of disabled persons and elder abuse. Crisis intervention for victims, witnesses, and family members who are in need as a result of their victimizationProvide written and verbal notification to victims and witnesses regarding arrests, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, hearings, grand jury appearances, trials, defaults, dispositions, restitution hearings, sentencing and appellate proceedingsAssess and evaluate victim needs and assist with referrals for appropriate services such as: shelter, mental health counseling, victim compensation, peer support groups, emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocationWork closely with prosecutors, police and other community partners to respond to allegations of abuse and neglectProvide formal and informal education and training to criminal justice and community agencies regarding victim rights and victim witness servicesWill meet with non-offending parents or guardians of child victims while forensic interviews are being conducted at the NAC. Participate as member of multi-disciplinary team on child abuse cases handled at Norfolk Advocates for Children, including support and education for non offending caregivers.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related field and experience in social services or criminal justiceOutstanding interpersonal skills and workplace etiquette Experience in social work or a related field is desirable Ability to work well in a high-pressure environment with multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality A sincere interest in the public sector, the work of the NDAO, an overall understanding of the Criminal Justice System The sensitive and confidential nature of our work requires strong personal character, integrity, judgment and maturity A general knowledge of office practices and legal principles Ability to work as part of a team

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related field and experience in social services or criminal justiceOutstanding interpersonal skills and workplace etiquette Experience in social work or a related field is desirable Ability to work well in a high-pressure environment with multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality A sincere interest in the public sector, the work of the NDAO, an overall understanding of the Criminal Justice System The sensitive and confidential nature of our work requires strong personal character, integrity, judgment and maturity A general knowledge of office practices and legal principles Ability to work as part of a team