VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANT Position Available In Newton, Georgia

VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANT 4.4 4.4

out of 5 stars Covington, GA

NEWTON COUNTY, GEORGIA

Classification Specification

VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANT

(2702)

FLSA:

Non-Exempt Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to provide assistance and support to crime victims, their families, and witnesses throughout the judicial process.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Aids victims and witness of crimes: contacts victims and witnesses by phone, letter or field visits; completes intake forms; determines and evaluates experiences and needs; and makes referrals and recommendations regarding counseling, safety needs and concerns, housing, food and other needs. Provides information and assistance regarding criminal justice processes: provides details about what to expect in individual cases, victim’s rights, victim notification of custody status changes and case information, temporary protective orders, bond conditions, compensation and restitution programs, individualized safety plans, etc.; assists with completing required applications, forms, and court documents; remains in contact with the victim throughout their case; and provides updates and support. This includes in person contact in the office and in court. Attends court sessions and provides support to the victim during court proceedings: accompanies victims to all court proceedings; contacts victims should a court appearance be missed; and ensures all protective measures have been taken within the courtroom to maintain the victim’s safety. Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintains an awareness of new procedures, trends and advances in the profession; and attends training, workshops and seminars as appropriate. Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: maintains victim information in case management system for statistical, reporting and communication purposes; prepares and sends various letters relating to the status of the case; prepares, completes, and submits various reports and forms, such as authorization of release forms, victim contact sheets, court notifications, restitution requests, temporary protection orders, etc.; and receives and reviews various Newton County, Georgia Victim Witness Assistant reports and documents, such as incident reports, victim notification sheets, criminal histories, supplemental reports, etc. Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. Communicates with supervisor, other County employees, court officials and staff, law enforcement, attorneys, outside agencies, victims, witnesses, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree in Social Work or a related field required; supplemented by one year of experience in social work, criminal justice, victim advocacy or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:

Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all County or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization:

Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Human Interaction:

Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of the job.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization:

Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude:

Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude:

Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. May include counting, recording of counts, and basic measuring.

Functional Reasoning:

Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Newton County, Georgia Victim Witness Assistant Situational Reasoning:

Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability:

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements:

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors:

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Newton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.