Job Details

The Director for the Victim Witness Assistance Program Advocate is a full-time grant funded position responsible for providing victims of crime with services as stated in 19.2-11.2 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, and as recommended by the Victim Services section of the the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Work in this position involves alleviating the trauma of victimization and encouraging crime victims to cooperate and participate in the criminal justice system. This position and department is supervised by the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney, and the Director reports to the elected Commonwealth's Attorney.Responsible for performing crisis intervention, advocacy, and case management duties for victims of crime.

Work closely with the Sheriff Department, Police Department, Virginia State Police, court personnel, and other state agencies and human service delivery organizations.

Provide criminal justice process and victims' rights information; send out correspondence; and communicate with victims at various stages of the criminal justice system process; assist victims with filing claims with the State's Virginia Victim Fund; assist victims with the submission of Victim Impact Statements, and the development of Restitution Plans.

Involves providing court advocacy to crime victims, assisting prosecutors to prepare victims for trial, assessing needs, making referrals to other human service agencies and developing service plans.

Required to participate in multi-disciplinary teams, community organizational meetings, and can offer training to community partners, the public and law enforcement on victim advocacy, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

Work with victims of all crimes and adhere to grant guidelines of working with 5% of total client number with witnesses.

Supervise the Victim Witness Advocate and any volunteers or interns working with the program.

Responsible for writing grants, preparing financial budgets, submitting quarterly reports, submitting financial claims, maintaining a variety of records and files pertaining to assigned cases and reports.

Requires the ability to exercise independent judgement, discretion and initiative in ensuring the proper services are delivered to victims and witnesses.

Performs other duties as assigned.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, criminal justice, or a related human services field.

Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of courtroom and criminal justice procedures. The Director must maintain high-standards of accuracy; exercise reasonable tact and discretion in exercising duties and responsibilities; and possess knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.

Good communication skills, both oral and written are required.

Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia with an acceptable driving record.

Working knowledge of windows-based computer systems and Client Information Management System (CIMS) is preferred.

Victim Witness Assistance Program Staff are exposed to the trauma and emotional turmoil of clients on a daily basis. The cumulative effect of secondary trauma can take its toll on the health and well-being of Victim Witness Assistance Program advocates. Training on the effects of secondary trauma, resiliency, and self-care is required for all staff.