Milwaukee Succeeds
Victim Witness Advocate - District Attorney
Milwaukee Succeeds, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53244
Victim Witness Advocate - District Attorney
Milwaukee County is hiring to support the Child Protection and Advocacy Unit. The Victim Witness Advocate (VW Advocate) works with victims and families on child abuse cases where the offender is a caregiver, including child homicides. The caseload requires prior experience working with victims, including children and their families. Knowledge of the child welfare system and domestic violence is preferred. Job Summary:
Provide comprehensive services as mandated by the Wisconsin Constitution and Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes to crime victims and witnesses. VW Advocates are required to work on-site 100% of the assigned workday due to the nature of the position. Face-to-face interactions are needed to engage victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process. Job Duties: Provide services to crime victims/witnesses. Manage a criminal juvenile court caseload, ensuring all victims/witnesses are treated properly during the course of case prosecution. Orient clients to their rights, the criminal justice system, and referral resources. Explain the importance of participation to witnesses. Reassure and persuade reluctant witnesses to cooperate with prosecution. Identify and reduce barriers to cooperation. Refer witnesses to the Witness Protection Program when appropriate to ensure their safety. Maintain ongoing contact with witnesses to inform them of case status, provide supportive counseling to alleviate trauma, and assess the need for information and referral to other community resources. Prepare victims/witnesses to testify in criminal/juvenile court hearings; provide escort and accompaniment to court; arrange transportation; place victims/witnesses on call or notify of last-minute changes to reduce unnecessary appearances. Orient victims to the Crime Victim Compensation Program and assist with completing applications and gathering required information. Assist with VINE registration, allowing notice to victim/witness upon release or escape of a defendant. Inform prosecutors of concerns or problems raised by victims/witnesses. Communicate victims’ wishes concerning prosecution, outcomes, and plea/sentencing negotiations. Gather documentary evidence for restitution and notify the court. Assist with crime impact statements. Coordinate property recovery for victims when property is no longer needed for evidence. Assist witnesses in applying for fees and authorized expense reimbursement. Intervene with schools, employment, and insurance companies on the victim’s behalf. Obtain civil protection orders. Coordinate travel arrangements and lodging; prepare affidavits and court orders for court approval; organize appearances of witnesses; arrange for appearance of experts; obtain authorization for release of medical records. Coordinate subpoena service and recalls with clerks and process servers. Update victims/witnesses’ information to remain current. Enter notes and case information in PROTECT for each victim/witness as the case progresses. Mentor and train students, interns, and volunteers. Conduct community presentations and attend job fairs and other crime victim events. Assist volunteers in staffing the victim/witness waiting rooms. Minimum Qualifications: Current resident of the United States Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and insurance maintained throughout employment Bachelor’s or higher degree in Criminal Justice or Human Services At least one year of experience providing counseling or services to crime victims/clients Knowledge of related computer and software applications (Microsoft Word and Excel) Required Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the special needs and problems of crime victims/witnesses and sensitivity to individuals with special needs, children, and older adults Ability to collaborate and maintain relationships with community agencies, service providers, and law enforcement Knowledge of social work theories, practices, and techniques Knowledge of the criminal and juvenile justice systems and Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 950 and 48 Knowledge of community resources for crime victims and witnesses. Proficient in Microsoft Word Note:
This position is unclassified and not subject to Civil Service Rules and Regulations. The original application is open to qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of appointment and maintain such residency during incumbency. During the application process please upload your updated resume and cover letter outlining experience. Pay Grade:
NR19 Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment and a drug-free workplace. We prohibit discrimination/harassment based on protected characteristics and require pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks, and pre-employment physicals as applicable. For accommodations, please contact 414-278-3936. Milwaukee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability-related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please email
careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov
and note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Milwaukee County is hiring to support the Child Protection and Advocacy Unit. The Victim Witness Advocate (VW Advocate) works with victims and families on child abuse cases where the offender is a caregiver, including child homicides. The caseload requires prior experience working with victims, including children and their families. Knowledge of the child welfare system and domestic violence is preferred. Job Summary:
Provide comprehensive services as mandated by the Wisconsin Constitution and Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes to crime victims and witnesses. VW Advocates are required to work on-site 100% of the assigned workday due to the nature of the position. Face-to-face interactions are needed to engage victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process. Job Duties: Provide services to crime victims/witnesses. Manage a criminal juvenile court caseload, ensuring all victims/witnesses are treated properly during the course of case prosecution. Orient clients to their rights, the criminal justice system, and referral resources. Explain the importance of participation to witnesses. Reassure and persuade reluctant witnesses to cooperate with prosecution. Identify and reduce barriers to cooperation. Refer witnesses to the Witness Protection Program when appropriate to ensure their safety. Maintain ongoing contact with witnesses to inform them of case status, provide supportive counseling to alleviate trauma, and assess the need for information and referral to other community resources. Prepare victims/witnesses to testify in criminal/juvenile court hearings; provide escort and accompaniment to court; arrange transportation; place victims/witnesses on call or notify of last-minute changes to reduce unnecessary appearances. Orient victims to the Crime Victim Compensation Program and assist with completing applications and gathering required information. Assist with VINE registration, allowing notice to victim/witness upon release or escape of a defendant. Inform prosecutors of concerns or problems raised by victims/witnesses. Communicate victims’ wishes concerning prosecution, outcomes, and plea/sentencing negotiations. Gather documentary evidence for restitution and notify the court. Assist with crime impact statements. Coordinate property recovery for victims when property is no longer needed for evidence. Assist witnesses in applying for fees and authorized expense reimbursement. Intervene with schools, employment, and insurance companies on the victim’s behalf. Obtain civil protection orders. Coordinate travel arrangements and lodging; prepare affidavits and court orders for court approval; organize appearances of witnesses; arrange for appearance of experts; obtain authorization for release of medical records. Coordinate subpoena service and recalls with clerks and process servers. Update victims/witnesses’ information to remain current. Enter notes and case information in PROTECT for each victim/witness as the case progresses. Mentor and train students, interns, and volunteers. Conduct community presentations and attend job fairs and other crime victim events. Assist volunteers in staffing the victim/witness waiting rooms. Minimum Qualifications: Current resident of the United States Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and insurance maintained throughout employment Bachelor’s or higher degree in Criminal Justice or Human Services At least one year of experience providing counseling or services to crime victims/clients Knowledge of related computer and software applications (Microsoft Word and Excel) Required Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the special needs and problems of crime victims/witnesses and sensitivity to individuals with special needs, children, and older adults Ability to collaborate and maintain relationships with community agencies, service providers, and law enforcement Knowledge of social work theories, practices, and techniques Knowledge of the criminal and juvenile justice systems and Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 950 and 48 Knowledge of community resources for crime victims and witnesses. Proficient in Microsoft Word Note:
This position is unclassified and not subject to Civil Service Rules and Regulations. The original application is open to qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of appointment and maintain such residency during incumbency. During the application process please upload your updated resume and cover letter outlining experience. Pay Grade:
NR19 Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment and a drug-free workplace. We prohibit discrimination/harassment based on protected characteristics and require pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks, and pre-employment physicals as applicable. For accommodations, please contact 414-278-3936. Milwaukee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability-related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please email
careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov
and note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.
#J-18808-Ljbffr