Victim Witness Legal Assistant

$56,555 - $60,923/Yr

Lincoln County Sd - Canton, SD

Full-time - Entry Level

Canton, SD

Educational Services

About the position

The Lincoln County State's Attorney's Office is expanding its team and is seeking a dedicated Victim Witness Legal Assistant to support victims and witnesses of crimes in Canton, SD. This role is crucial in providing professional social work assistance, ensuring that victims and witnesses are informed and supported throughout the legal process. The Victim Witness Assistant will be responsible for explaining case procedures to clients, accompanying them to court, and advocating for their needs within the criminal justice system. This position requires a compassionate individual who can effectively communicate and coordinate services for clients, while also assisting attorneys in preparing for legal proceedings. In this role, the Victim Witness Legal Assistant will manage a caseload of victims and witnesses, maintaining case records and statistical data. They will be tasked with obtaining evidence, preparing correspondence, and handling notifications regarding awards to clients. The assistant will also provide guidance on legal processes such as restitution and protection orders, ensuring that clients feel supported and informed. Crisis counseling and intervention will be key components of this position, as the assistant will need to diffuse emotional situations and provide comfort to clients during challenging times. Additionally, the Victim Witness Legal Assistant will play a vital role in educating law enforcement, attorneys, and the community about the services available to victims and witnesses. This includes training sessions and community outreach programs designed to raise awareness and improve the support network for those affected by crime. The ideal candidate will possess strong writing skills, computer proficiency, and a solid understanding of social work practices, making them an effective advocate for victims and witnesses in the legal system.

Responsibilities

• Explain case procedures to clients and assist them with legal processes.
• Accompany victims and witnesses to the courtroom and provide support during legal proceedings.
• Advocate for clients and coordinate services within the criminal justice system.
• Assist attorneys in preparing and interviewing victims and witnesses for legal cases.
• Prepare grant applications and reports related to victim services.
• Educate law enforcement, attorneys, and the community about available services for victims and witnesses.
• Manage a caseload of victims and witnesses, maintaining case records and statistical data.
• Request and obtain evidence from clients, law enforcement, and other sources.
• Prepare correspondence and handle notifications regarding awards to clients.
• Provide crisis counseling and intervention for clients in distress.
• Assist prosecutors during trials by preparing clients and assessing case strengths and weaknesses.
• Arrange emergency childcare for victims and witnesses as needed.
• Establish and coordinate programs to educate the community about victim witness services.

Requirements

• Associate Degree in social work or a related field with two years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of modern social work theory and practices.
• Ability to work effectively with victims and witnesses of the criminal justice system.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work under pressure.
• Capability to manage emotional situations with clients tactfully and impartially.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse backgrounds.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's Degree in social work or a related field.
• Working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence.