Victim Witness Advocate

Job Description

Victim Witness Advocates are primarily responsible for providing information, support, and advocacy services to victims, witnesses and their families throughout the criminal justice process. The primary goal of the Victim Witness Bureau is to reduce the level of secondary injury associated with the aftermath of crime and to aid in the prosecution of criminal cases by ensuring that crime victims and witnesses are provided with the entitlements and services mandated by the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B), and those additional services provided as a policy of the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Unit.

Duties & Responsiblities

  • Offer direct services to victims, witnesses and survivors including crisis intervention, assessment and evaluation of needs for referrals, orientation of court procedures and accompaniment to court
  • Provide information and assistance to victims regarding their right to provide a Victim Impact Statement to the court
  • Compliance with the Victim Bill of Rights pursuant to M.G.L c. 258B including notification of all court hearings, postponements and continuances
  • Maintain ongoing communication with Assistant District Attorneys on mutual cases regarding case status, victim concerns and input
  • Establish positive relationships with outside service providers, other law enforcement agencies and court personnel for consultation and cooperation
  • Maintain case files in a manner commensurate with office policy
  • Document all case activity
  • Participate in Outreach and Public Awareness Education as required
  • Perform any other duties as required

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice or related field
  • Knowledge and experience in Criminal Justice System or direct victim services a plus
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Bilingual Spanish fluency strongly preferred