Victim Witness Specialist

Overview

Work involves providing comprehensive orientation to victims and witnesses of crime in such matters as to their rights under Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin State Statutes, applicable court procedures, location of courts, availability of protective services, etc. Work also includes screening and investigating citizen complaints, involvement in the subpoena function and providing referrals and information as necessary.

• 35% Initiates and maintains on-going contact and support with victims, witnesses and their families.
  • Assist, inform and update them on the status of their case both prior and subsequent to disposition, including any cancelations and adjournments.
  • Provide support as necessary and appropriate.
• 20% Reviews police reports to determine who is/are the victim(s) of that particular incident.
  • Determine the immediate needs of that victim(s) including the type of information that is to be provided.
• 10% Educates victims and witnesses as to their rights under Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin State Statutes and how to exercise their rights.
• 10% Acts as a liaison between victims and their families including witnesses of crime and the prosecutors, the courts, mental health professionals, community agencies, law enforcement agencies and probation departments.
• 10% Facilitates communication between victims and prosecutors in an effort to ensure that their voice is heard regarding charging decisions, plea agreements and final disposition of their case.
• 5% Escorts victims, their families and witnesses to court proceedings.
  • Offer emotional support.
  • Provide information about the criminal court process.
• 5% Processes victims response by documenting, making copies, scanning and forwarding onto appropriate professionals.
• 5% Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of Chapter 950;
  Rights of Victims and Witnesses of Crime;
• Knowledge of Chapter 949;
  Awards for the Victims of Crime;
• Knowledge of the criminal and juvenile justice systems;
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
• Ability to work as a team in an effort to solve problems and address issues or concerns related to issues of victimization;
• Ability to listen objectively and exhibit emphatic listening skills;
• Ability to work independently and to organize, plan and complete work assignments and projects;
• Ability to handle unusual, complex and crisis situations;
• Ability to deal effectively with difficult and stressful situations involving people in crisis;
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and files;
• Ability to interpret, explain and present pertinent information involving court proceedings and program services;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, court personnel, clients, county officials and the general public

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in criminal justice, social work or other closely related human services field;
• Minimum of three years working experience in a comparable setting which includes contact with victims; or any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, abilities and skills listed above.

• Ability to stand, walk and sit.
• Ability to exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.

• Ability to use computer, computer keyboard, copier, fax machine, printer, calculator and scanner.

• Working in an indoor office setting.
• A valid driver's license to get between various county buildings and attend meetings as required.