Vict-Witn Coord

Address:

500 S Clinton St, Iowa City, Iowa, 55240

Salary Range (Min-Mid)

$28.72 - $34.46

Dept./Office/Position Type

Attorney - Professional

Employee Type

Regular

Job Description

Under general supervision, coordinates the Victim-Witness Program by serving as liaison among victms, witnesses, Attorney’s staff, the court system, law enforcement, and local service agencies.  Ensures compliance with legal requirements, concerning notification of victims and witnesses for criminal cases.  Coordinates and/or assists with Victim-Witness Volunteer Program.

Knowledge of:

• Basic Iowa civil and criminal court procedures

• Current office practices and procedures

• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure and vocabulary

•  Iowa Code chapter 915 “Victim’s Rights”

Ability to:

• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner

• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate

• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive

• Read and understand court decisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and other legal research

• Be detail-oriented when working with documents and information

• Maintain accurate records, complex files, and prepare written reports

• Use a computer for the purposes of word processing, data entry, spreadsheets, presentations, e-mail and Internet

• Type 45 words per minute accurately.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, victims/witnesses and family members, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, agencies, and members of the public

• Work effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view

• Operate common office equipment such as tablets, calculators, fax and postage machines, photocopiers, scanners, and multi-line telephones

• Handle multiple tasks and competing priorities in a high paced and high volume environment

• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position

• Follow oral and written instructions

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to groups and individuals in formal and non-formal situations

• Supervise volunteer staff ensuring compliance with work policies, procedures, and safety standards

• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication

• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse

• Have sufficient vision which permits moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms

• Stand, sit, walk, squat, kneel, bend, twist, reach, and use a stepstool as needed

• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds as needed

• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field  work at various facilities

• Work flexible schedule and occasional overtime as needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate’s degree in paralegal training and at least 1 year experience working in the criminal justice system, court administration, social services or related filed OR any equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.  Bachelor’s degree preferred

Special Requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage.  May require use of private vehicle for official business.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Notify or oversee notification of victims and witnesses of their case progress by providing letters, telephone, and/or electronic notification, as they move through the criminal and juvenile justice system.  Provide information and documents appropriate for their cases. 

• Inform and ensure victims are given an opportunity to submit a Victim Impact Statement at sentencing and assist in completing the form.  Track return of statements.

• Assist with preparation of Statements of Pecuniary Damages.

• Monitor extended No Contact Orders, notify victims of the expiration date, and assist in obtaining No Contact extension orders.

• Delegate tasks to assigned support staff including volunteers as needed and oversee completion of such tasks.

• Coordinate victim-witness volunteer program.  Recruit, train and lead volunteers, with emphasis on confidentiality requirements. 

• Register victims with the Department of Corrections and the Department of Parole when needed. 

• Inform victims and witnesses of the Iowa Victim Information and Notification Service (VINE), Crime Victim Assistance Program, and other victim assistance programs and assist with registration as appropriate.

• Compile and maintain statistical data collection and submit reports as needed, including for grant reporting.

• Work efficiently with case management software program documenting victim contacts and information as necessary.

• Identify and assist witnesses with language barriers.

• Respond to problems of victims and witnesses as they arise in the course of a case and be their advocate within the office.

• Arrange and attend initial appointments with victims or the family of a victim and the prosecutor of the case, especially in the case of a violent crime.

• Coordinate victims and witnesses at the time of their court appearances, inform them about the court process, and facilitate communication with the prosecutor while case is pending and during the course of the trial.

• Make travel arrangements for victims and witnesses including transportation for depositions or court appearances and submit necessary payment information to Managing Secretary.

• Inform eligible victims of the Crime Victim Assistance Program and assist in completing applications.

• Refer victims in need of services to appropriate local agencies.

• Develop and implement forms, systems and procedures for operation of victim-witness office functions

• Communicate victim concerns or needs regarding restitution to the Attorney or Legal Assistant preparing the Statement of Pecuniary Damages where one is necessary.

• Educate groups on victim issues through panel discussions, radio, television or presentations.  Promote public education regarding victim issues, especially during Victim Rights Week.

• Work on a statewide basis with the Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance and the Organization for Criminal Justice Victim Advocates, and other groups as appropriate.

• Work closely with community groups such as the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Rape Victim Advocacy Program, and the United Action for Youth to provide assistance, communication and training.

• Attend work-related meetings; participates in committees, conferences and seminars as requested.  Attend the Victim Witness Coordinator Annual Training and Meeting.  Participate in the Johnson County Domestic Abuse Investigation and Sexual Assault Investigation Teams.

• Assist general public in order to answer simple or routine legal or court related procedural questions.

• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreement and safety practices. 

• Attend work regularly at the designated place and time.

Supplemental Description

FLSA Status:   Non-Exempt

Pay Grade:      6

Job Profile: 2008

Job Family: Attorney-Professional

Compensation Grade

06