Victim Witness Program Assistant | Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for Arlington County

 

Victim Witness Program Assistant
Location: Arlington, VA
Job Number: 9412-23D-CWA-HQ
Salary: $52,624.00 - $80,329.60
Closing Date: April 27,2023

Position Information

Are you committed to the ideals of public safety, justice, and healing? If you are, you will find a fulfilling workplace at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office!

The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for Arlington County is seeking to fill two entry level grant-funded Victim Witness Program Assistants to provide administrative support to the Victim Witness Program staff and informational support and guidance to victims of crime, including those who speak Spanish and may have difficulty communicating in English. The Victim Witness Program Assistants will build authentic relationships and provide a sense of safety for victims and provide trauma-informed support.

Specific duties include:

• Providing direct support to victims of crimes including contacting victims to explain legal and courtroom procedures, accompanying victims to court, assisting in filing claims with the Virginia Victims Fund, and providing pertinent information about social service agencies and programs;
• Serving as liaison with victims, prosecution, law enforcement, court officials and allied professionals in a way that centers around the dignity, voice and needs of victims;
• Providing crisis intervention and referrals for supportive counseling to minimize the traumatic impact of crime and the criminal justice process;
• Using the police department's database to obtain and review police reports to assist with preparing cases for trial;  
• Compiling information relevant to cases;
• Representing the Victim/Witness Program in community events and/or providing training to the community on victim services;
• Tracking cases and services provided to victims using the Client Information Management System (CIMS) and Prosecutor by Karpel (PBK) case management system; and
• Performing administrative functions such as preparing court dockets, composing letters and narrative reports, filing, faxing, answering phones and ordering program supplies.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to listen for understanding, avoid personal opinion or bias, manage emotions (both of others and self) and have the following:
 

• A high degree of accountability to both victim/survivors and legal system partners;
• An understanding of the responsibility and skills required to navigate the complex landscape of responding to harm at an individual level and communicating those needs in an effective manner to relevant legal system parties and the wider public;
• Verbal and written communication skills that reflect an ability to synthesize and reframe information as necessary to distill valuable information, make people feel heard, and move a process forward; and
• Knowledge of the effect of power structures and ability to determine how these could affect all victim/survivors, to avoid additional harm and trauma while navigating the legal system.

The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is committed to transformative justice in the promotion of effective victim/survivor services, evidence-based diversion programs, and racial justice.  Working in a major metropolitan area’s prosecutor’s office offers you a broad spectrum of experience and provides ample opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and comradery.  The Office is responsible for both adult and juvenile prosecutions for crimes that range from DUI to aggravated assaults, complex fraud investigations, rapes, and murders.  Victim Witness Assistants are an essential member of the team supporting victims/survivors, specifically centering voice, agency, and mitigating trauma throughout the criminal legal process.

Selection Criteria

Minimum: 

• High school diploma or GED;
• At least one year of experience as a legal assistant, legal secretary or providing direct client informational support in a criminal justice or court system environment; and
• Completion of a paralegal certificate program recognized by the American Bar Association.

Substitution: Additional experience in a legal office performing paralegal tasks may be substituted for the paralegal certificate program requirement.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates who are able to learn, grow and adapt with flexibility, humility, and self-reflection and have the following experience:

• Case and docket management;
• Working in a restorative justice system;
• Working in a fast-paced professional environment;
• Using Prosecutor by Karpel (PBK) or a similar case management software;
• Using Microsoft Office Word and Outlook; and/or 
• Bilingual ability in English/Spanish.

Special Requirements

A background check will be conducted on all candidates who are finalists for the position. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit check and may require signing a release authorizing the County to obtain this information. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record and criminal history.

Covid-19 Vaccination: Arlington County Government is committed to the health, safety, and wellness for all staff. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. For those qualified employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, you will be able to contact the Office of Human Rights to request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Limited telework is an option.

Salary Information: Both positions are funded fully or partially by a VA Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) grant.

• Due to both positions being entry level, the starting salary will be $52,624. Annual salary increases occur if the employee reaches their professional goals. 

The Arlington County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is an "at-will" office. Employees are not subject to the same employment protections as other County employees.

The official title for these positions is Paralegal I B.

For more information on Arlington's generous benefits, click here.
 
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is an Equal Employment Employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in thew workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our agency. We encourage all to apply and make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.