Victim Advocate
The District Attorney’s Office in the Clayton Judicial Circuit has an opening for a Victim Advocate.
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Purpose of Classification:
The purpose of this classification is to ensure that victims of felony crimes are treated with respect and dignity, that they are notified of their rights and that they receive emotional support throughout the criminal justice process.
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Nature of Work
This is responsible, administrative work in the Clayton County District Attorney's Victim Witness Assistance Program requiring advocacy work and the delivery of program services to victims of felony crimes.
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Work is often performed under stressful conditions and involves timely attention to victim needs. Duties are performed under the general supervision of the District Attorney with direct supervision by the Victim Assistance Program Manager
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Essential Duties:
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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.
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Assists victims during the criminal justice process; educates victims about the criminal justice process; schedules appointments and courtroom orientations.
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Provides telephone and face-to-face advocacy with victims and their family members; makes follow-up contacts with victims by mail and/or telephone; reads court calendars and contact victims with case status; talks with investigators and prosecutors about cases and provides information and advocacy concerning case status; notifies victims by mail and or by telephone of hearings, procedures, and dispositions regarding their case; assists victims following case disposition.
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Distributes informational mail-outs to victims regarding available program services and victim's rights as described by the Crime Victim's Bill of Rights.
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Case management and record maintenance in regards to victim/ witness interactions.
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Provides information, advocacy, and assistance in completing Victim Impact Statements, Victim. Compensation Applications, applications for Temporary Protective Orders as necessary; provides assistance with requesting notification from the local Sheriff's Department, Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Department of Corrections as necessary; provides creditor, landlord, and employer intervention as necessary.
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Attends hearings with victims for emotional support; preliminary hearings, bond hearings, grand jury hearings, trials, etc. (when necessary).
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Distributes and collects program evaluation surveys.
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Provide assistance with letters, victim impact statements, registration for Georgia Victim Impact Panel, facilitation of /accompaniment to Victims Visitor's Day, clemency hearings and executions, etc.;
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Coordinate communication with necessary professionals with on-going activities of the defendant that is putting the victim in fear and /or physical jeopardy;
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Prompt necessary actions to initiate the process for probation revocation if defendant violates the sentence terms and jeopardizes victim safety, etc.;
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Assist victims with notification requests to the county jail/Department of Corrections and Parole regarding the defendant's release from incarceration;
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Ensuring that contact information and the physical location of the victim is maintained and accurate for continuation of services;
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Assist victims with making contact with the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Department of Corrections to request notification regarding a defendant's entry into the prison system and offering avenues for opinions on early parole release;
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Funded offices may have personnel serve on a Victim Impact Panel as member or coordinator, and hold monthly meetings, and assist in recruiting, training and maintaining victim panel members and speakers;
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If the accused is found guilty and sentenced to incarceration in the custody of the Georgia Dept. of Corrections (GDOC), funded offices will connect the victim with the GDOC
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Maintains current listing of available community resources for victims; provides referrals to community resources.
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Assist in preparing and distributing program brochures in the community. Attend training seminars to keep abreast of current trends in victim assistance.
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Participate on relevant committees and victim advocacy organizations by attending meetings. Adhere to program policies and procedures.
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Additional Functions
Performs other related work as required
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Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED with preference given to Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or a related field. Must have a strong administrative background. Some experience in community service or advocacy work preferred but not required. Some knowledge of available community resources and criminal justice processes helpful. Bi-Lingual skills are helpful but not required.
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ADA Compliance
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Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12- 20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.
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Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
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Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
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The Clayton Judicial Circuit is an equal employment opportunity employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
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Salary:​​
$35,780.19
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Submit resume and cover below: