Victim Witness Advocate - York County Superior/District Court
Start Date: May 20, 2025 | End Date: November 16, 2025
County: York County
Job Type: Other
More Information: Click here
VICTIM WITNESS ADVOCATE - SUPERIOR/DISTRICT COURT
Status: Full-Time
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Salary: $20.43 - $22.56
Union: M.S.E.A. – Grade 6
Reports To: Director of the Victim - Witness Advocate Program
JOB SUMMARY
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
This full-time position will provide direct advocate services to victims and witnesses as assigned by the Director of the Victim-Witness Program in the criminal justice system in York County. The Victim Witness Advocate provides information and assistance to victims of crimes, including domestic violence and other assault, burglary, theft and other crimes; acts as liaison between victims, witnesses and the District Attorney, and provides trial support to the District Attorney and/or the Assistant District Attorneys.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Works under the general supervisor of the Director of the Victim/Witness Advocacy Services Program and/or the District Attorney and his/her designee who provides guidance on technical matters, and who reviews completed work assignments for conformance with established rules, regulations and state laws.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Contacts victims to assess their physical and emotional injuries and economic losses and determines their position concerning disposition of case. Inform victims of and complies enforcement of Maine statutory Victim’s Rights.
- Assist victims by maintaining contact and providing them with information and assistance throughout the duration of the case and provides victims with the outcome of criminal case. This includes notification of court hearings trial, sentencing, discussing restitution, explaining plea negotiations, and soliciting input and response to District Attorney’s recommendations.
- Assist victims by preparing and sending correspondence to them, familiarizing victims, and witnesses with the criminal justice process, including stages such as grand jury, arraignment, motion days, plea negotiations, sentencing, probation, deferred disposition, and appeals.
- Determines amount of restitution due to victims of personal injury and property crimes, assists victims in compiling documentation to verify restitution requests; notifies District Attorney of restitution requests.
- Notifies all eligible victims of Victim’s Compensation Fund and assists victims with application for compensation.
- Assists District Attorney to produce victims and witnesses for trial by maintaining contact as directed with victims throughout criminal process and notifying all civilian victims of all required court appearances and arranges for transportation as needed.
- Provides the prosecutor with information about victim availability for trials and hearings.
- Provides referrals to victims to appropriate agencies and services (Caring Unlimited, Sexual Assault Response Support Services, Maine Crime Victim Compensation Program etc.)
- Prepare crime victims for court hearings and attend court hearings with victims as support and explain the Court’s rulings. The court hearings may be held by zoom or in person hearings.
- Inform victims of their rights to submit a Victim Impact Statements for sentencing hearings and coordinate this process in the Courts.
- Coordinates with Department of Corrections Victim Services regarding victim contact information and assists with submitting requests for Prisoner Release Notification forms.
- Submits to the Office Manager all requests for witness fee and mileage payment, disburses payments to victims and/or witnesses. Coordinates out of state hotel, transportation and food allowances for victims traveling to Maine.
- Makes mandatory child protective reports to DHHS when appropriate and assists in the opening of cases in DA database and referral of cases to law enforcement.
- Assist crime victims and prosecutors by helping them prepare for court.
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
- Contributes to Victim Witness Department team efforts in DA Office.
- Fulfills job functions by participating as an active member of training and participates in county task forces as directed by supervisor.
- Performs other related duties as requested by the District Attorney, Office Managers and Victim Witness Director.
EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS
Knowledge/Skills/Experience:
High School diploma or equivalent required, associate degree in social work or criminal justice preferred. One (1) year working in a law environment or social service field is desirable. Experience working in a crisis intervention setting is desirable. Prior experience working in the criminal justice system preferred. Familiarity with legal terms and court procedures is preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required. The ability to learn basic criminal procedures and victims’ rights laws is required. Possession of a valid and insurable State of Maine Driver’s License is required. Availability and ability to travel is required. The ability to effectively communicate with the public is required. The ability to work in a team setting with commitment to a high level of confidential customer service is required. Must be able to multi-task, prioritize and work under pressure to meet deadlines. Must pass a full criminal and motor vehicle background check. Ability to use Zoom to attend necessary court hearings.
License or Certificate:
Valid Maine Driver’s License.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be able to provide proof us U.S. citizenship or legal right to work in the United States.
- Must be able to utilize a computer and adapt to new technology.
Environmental Conditions: The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is moderately low. There may be intermittent interruptions from the phones, public inquiries, and other staff.
Physical Conditions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to use computer keyboard, file, writing, and answering phones. The employee is frequently required to walk, talk, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop or kneel. They may be expected to life and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Interested candidates must submit a resume and/or application with qualifications to:
York County Human Resources
Attn: Linda Corliss
45 Kennebunk Road, Alfred, ME 04002
Or via email: [email protected]
Physical Address: 149 Jordan Springs Road, Alfred, ME 04002
York County applications can be downloaded from: yorkcountymaine.gov/careers
Deadline: This posting will remain open until the position has been filled
Applications are considered based on ability, competence, and experience. It is a fundamental policy of York County Government not to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a veteran, disabled veteran, or any other category protected by an applicable federal,
state, or local law.
The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of duties, and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and is not a declaration of
the specific duties and responsibilities of any position. Employees may be assigned job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
York County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
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