Jobs Legal Assistant - Victim Witness Coordinator

Summary

The Pottawattamie County Attorney's Office is announcing the hiring of a Victim Witness Coordinator.

The Victim Witness Coordinator is the primary point of contact for victims with the County Attorney's Office.  This position is responsible for providing direct services to crime victims and witnesses; educating victims and witnesses as to the criminal justice process and their role in the criminal justice system; assisting victims/witnesses through the legal process; acting as liaison between victims, witnesses, prosecutors, the court system, law enforcement and other involved parties.

The hiring team will begin reviewing applications after the position has been posted for 10 days.

Pottawattamie County offers employees a strong benefit plan at a reasonable cost. Our benefit offerings include health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and other voluntary benefits.
 
To highlight some of our amazing benefits:
 

• We offer a family plan at $218.30 per month cost to the employee, with an additional $30 savings if the employee participates in the wellness program.
• $500 family deductible
• 100% employer paid long-term disability coverage
• Premium free dental coverage
• generous paid time off; sick leave and vacation leave
• IPERS retirement; Unlike benefits from other retirement plans, IPERS benefits aren’t tied to the performance of the stock market. With IPERS, you don’t need to make complicated investment decisions for your retirement dreams to become a reality.

 

Essential Functions

Initiates/maintains ongoing contact with victims, witnesses, and families to provide information on the status of their case; orients victims/witnesses to their rights/protections under the Iowa Victims of Crimes Act/Domestic Abuse statutes and to the criminal/civil justice system.
 
Interviews witnesses and/or victims for factual information; prepares documentation for case files; coordinates witnesses ensuring availability for trials, hearings, and dispositions; reassures/persuades reluctant victims/witnesses to ensure continued involvement in the case; provides court preparation/assistance related to court proceedings, files protective orders, schedules hearings; and arranges for transportation and/or lodging as appropriate.
 
Provides support to the victim through the court process; provides notification of and schedules trials, hearings and dispositions; notifies victims of plea agreements; assists victims in completing Victim impact statement for sentencing hearings; provides notice of and assists in completing/processing applications for benefits available under the State Crime Victim Compensation Program.
 
Refers victims to community resources/agencies and acts as liaison between victims, witnesses, County Attorney's Office, the court system, law enforcement and other involved parties.
 
Schedules/coordinates meetings between the offender and victim if needed.

May attend hearings/trails upon request of attorney/victims; may be required to testify in court proceedings.
 
Accurately completes forms, letters, correspondence, etc. to notify victims/witnesses of the status of scheduled trials, hearings, plea agreements or depositions.
 
Provides information to crime victims concerning victim compensation and other services.
 
Maintains communication with crime victims and other witnesses to facilitate case preparation.
 
Maintains the confidentiality of all information, communications, documents and correspondence in the County Attorney's office.
 
Contacts law enforcements officials, witnesses, legal professionals and any additional individuals which may be necessary to facilitate case preparation.
 
Works efficiently with case management software program documenting victim contacts and information as necessary. Compiles/maintains statistical data; prepares/maintains records, reports, case files; input data into the computer system. 
 
Assists general public in order to answer simple or routine legal or court related procedural questions.
 
Operates standard office equipment including but not limited to the telephone system, personal computer/word processor, photocopy machine, fax and calculators.
 
Responsible for learning and adhering to departmental policies and procedures.
 
 

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

Regular and reliable attendance at work reporting location is an essential function of this position. Ability to report to work on time and in accordance with established work schedule.   Ability to work accurately and under time constraints and deadlines.   Knowledge of and the ability to learn victims' rights issues, legislation affecting victims, victim rights and programs.   Knowledge of and/or ability to learn the special needs, problems and concerns of crime victims and witnesses.    Knowledge of and ability to learn case management software program, electronic court filing system, various legal research and writing techniques.   Knowledge of and the ability to learn and apply procedures utilized in the court or administrative hearing system regarding filing and processing various legal documents.   Knowledge of and the ability to utilize witness interview techniques to collect information relative to case investigation.   Knowledge of and the ability to apply office procedures and standard clerical techniques utilized in a law office.   Knowledge of and ability to apply legal terminology as related to typing and processing legal documents.   Knowledge of the English language and the ability to utilize proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.   Working knowledge and skill in the use of a personal computer and software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and case management software.    Ability to observe and record facts accurately about persons, objects and events.   Ability to read and understand the codified laws of the State of Iowa.   Ability to plan and organize a personal work schedule, set priorities and meet deadlines.   Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; must possess good listening skills.   Ability to develop a rapport with victims of crimes and with witnesses for court.   Ability to deal sensitively with victims of violent crime, sexual assault, domestic violence and other indictable felonies/misdemeanors.   Ability to maintain composure and to provide assistance under stressful conditions.   Ability to use persuasion and diplomacy in soliciting cooperation from reluctant victims/witnesses.   Ability to learn and to operate standard office equipment.   Ability to type accurately using a word processor and/or personal computer..   Ability to maintain the confidentiality of all communications, documents and correspondence in the County Attorney's office.   Ability to understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions.   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, supervisors, fellow employees and government officials and agencies.    Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultures and socio-economic status.  

Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses

Graduation from high school or GED and two (2) years experience in the criminal justice system, court administration, social services or related field or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Two (2) years of college coursework in related field and a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of work experience in Human Services, Criminal Justice or related field is preferred.