CLOSING DATE: Sept. 5, 2023 or Until filled
HOW TO APPLY: Submit application, letter of interest and current resume to jsnow@penobscotcounty.net or:
Penobscot County
Attn: Human Relations
97 Hammond Street
Bangor, ME 04401

Applications can be found at: https://www.penobscot-county.net/employment or the Administration Office located on the 1st floor of the County Administration Building, 97 Hammond Street or by calling (207) 942-8535 x2200

Job Summary:

The Victim Witness Advocate provides information and assistance to victims of crimes, including domestic violence and other assault, burglary, theft and other crimes; acts as liaison between victims, witnesses and the District Attorney, and provides trial support to the District Attorney and/or the Assistant District Attorneys.

This full-time victim witness advocate opening will begin on October 1, 2023.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Contacts victims at or prior to the initiation of a criminal prosecution to assess their physical and emotional injuries and economic losses and determines their position concerning disposition of case, prepares Victim Contact Statements for District Attorney’s review and discovery. Informs victims of and complies with statutory Victim’s Rights.
2. Assists victims and/or witnesses by maintaining contact and providing them with information and assistance throughout the duration of cases assigned. This includes notification of arraignment, indictment, hearings, bail reviews, bail modifications and conditions, trial, sentencing, discussing restitution, explaining plea negotiations and soliciting input and response to District Attorney’s recommendations.
3. Assists victims by preparing and sending correspondence to them, familiarizing victims and witnesses with the criminal justice process, including stages such as grand jury, arraignment, motion days, plea negotiations, sentencing, probation, deferred disposition and appeals.
4. Determines amount of restitution due to victims of personal injury and property crimes, assists victims in compiling documentation to verify restitution requests; notifies District Attorney of restitution requests.
5. Notifies all eligible victims of Victim’s Compensation Fund and assists victim with application for compensation.
6. Ensures department’s ability to produce victims and witnesses for trial by maintaining contact as directed with all victims and/or witnesses throughout criminal process and notifying all civilian victims/witnesses of all required court appearances and arranges for transportation as necessary.
7. Prepares witness availability lists for docket call and/or trial.
8. Provides referrals to victims for appropriate agencies and services (Partners for Peace, Rape Response, Safe Havens).
9. Inform victims of their rights to submit a Victim Impact Statements for sentencing hearings.
10. Coordinates with Department of Corrections Victim Services in regards to victim contact information and assists with submitting requests for Prisoner Release Notification forms.
11. Submits to Office Manager all requests for witness fee and mileage payment, disburses payments to victims and/or witnesses.
12. Maintains confidential DHHS referrals in secured location; makes mandatory child protective reports to DHHS when appropriate.
13. Assists the attorneys by helping them prepare for court, including setting up audio/video equipment in the courtroom for trials and motions as required and providing video assistance for both victims and witnesses for video testimony when necessary.
14. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops;
    establishing personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
15. Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed.
16. Follows all County and departmental policies; maintains required training as directed by Human Resources.
17. Supports County’s safety and health policies by attending required safety training programs; reports all accidents and suspected safety hazards to supervisor.
18. Fulfills job functions by participating as an active member of training and participates on county task forces as directed by supervisor.
19. Performs other related duties as requested by the District Attorney, Senior VWA and Office Manager.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience required:

• High School diploma or equivalent required, Associate’s Degree in social work or criminal justice preferred.
• One (1) year working in a law environment or social service field is desirable.
• Experience working in a crisis intervention setting is desirable. Prior experience working in the criminal justice system preferred.
• Familiarity with legal terms and court procedures is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, use of Justware is preferred.
• Ability to learn basic criminal procedures and victims’ rights laws is required.
• Possession of a valid and insurable State of Maine Driver’s License is required.
• Availability and ability to travel is required.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public is required.
• Ability to work in a team setting with commitment to high level of customer service is required.
• Must be able to multi-task, prioritize, and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Must pass a full criminal and motor vehicle background check.

Work Environment:

Usual office conditions are present. Noise level is moderate. Multiple activities are on-going simultaneously. Can be a stressful environment as a result of having to meet tight statutory deadlines.

Physical Demands/Conditions/Requirements:

• The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and ability to use a standard keyboard, usecomputer, telephone, fax machine, printer and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Penobscot County provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.