Job Title: Witness Victim Advocate                                    Salary: $58,045
Department: Criminal Division / Cold Case Unit              Reports to: Unit Supervisor & WVA Supervisor
Location: Courthouse Square Building                               Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
310 W. Lakeside – 7^th floor                                                                 Monday - Friday
Cleveland, Ohio 44113                                                         (variable shift/hours may apply)

REQUIREMENTS:
Associate degree in humanities, social services, psychology, criminal justice, or related field and three (3) years of experience that includes counseling and work related to law enforcement, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Proficiency in computer skills including: Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft products (Word/Excel), database experience. Preferred candidates will be bilingual (Spanish).

FUNCTION:
Victim Advocate will provide advocacy, support, crisis intervention, information and referrals to victims and witnesses of crimes. Advocate will establish and maintain contact with victims throughout the criminal justice system process while working alongside Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The candidate will work on a team with investigators and prosecutors to provide support to victims of major crimes including sexual assault and homicide.
• The candidate can expect to conduct extensive work in the field with investigators to locate victims of crime and conduct interviews and/or provide case updates.
• Makes initial contact with victims and their families to explain the criminal justice system while orienting them to their role in the prosecutorial process; reads reports and victim statements; assists prosecutors and law enforcement personnel in conducting interviews with victims of crime; assists with preparing victims and witnesses for trials; attends trial while victim is testifying or giving impact statement at sentencing; assists victims in completing notification/impact forms; prepares weekly report sheets.
• Receives case referrals from a variety of sources to provide services which include crisis intervention, and counseling; assists, counsels and refers victims to available support groups and agencies.
• Conducts witness assessment interviews as requested; responds to any victim/witness related issue; evaluates case elements to assist attorneys in assessing case prosecutorial criteria.
• Performs all other duties assigned, delegated or required of the Victim/Witness Advocate as well as those prescribed by law.
• Conducts business in accordance with federal statutes and guidelines, the Ohio Revised Code, and the Ohio Administrative Code.