Title:  Victim's Advocate

How to Apply

**DO NOT APPLY ONLINE** Interested applicants must send a brief cover letter, resume, and a list of three (3) work-related references with daytime phone numbers, by September 17, 2021 to:  Addison County State’s Attorney Dennis Wygmans, dennis.wygmans @vermont.gov, and to Executive Assistant Ashley Perry, Ashley.perry@vermont.gov. 

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Summary of Duties

Advocacy, coordination, and guidance of services for victims of crime through Victim Assistance program. The position works to reduce the adverse impacts of criminal victimization to ensure fair and appropriate treatment of the victim by the entities with whom the victim may expect to interact (state’s attorneys, law enforcement, courts, corrections, etc.). Makes appropriate referrals for support and assistance to address issues that result from victimization. Manages caseload in a timely and effective manner to ensure assistance to victims.   Provides assistance and information to the victim in navigating the criminal justice system. Identifies the needs and concerns of the victim and transmit that information to appropriate parties.  Apprises victims of their rights. Provides timely and accurate information to victims about the status of the criminal case and seeks their input.  Provides notification of key events (e.g. scheduled depositions, arraignments, conferences, jury draw, court dates) and may be required to attend, as necessary.   Helps victims identify necessary documentation for restitution or compensation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to interpret and explain legal procedures and determinations to victims. Ability to organize, prioritize and effectively manage a caseload under deadlines. Ability to work under pressure in an emotionally charged environment. Ability to interview and elicit key information, analyze problems, and recommend solutions. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information in accordance with state and federal rules and law. Must perform timely data entry to input case information for department and for grant reporting.  Must attend required trainings.  Must possess excellent communication and writing skills. Must consistently demonstrate good judgment, courtesy, and tact in carrying out assigned duties. Must represent the VA Program and State’s Attorney’s office in a professional manner. Must establish and maintain effective working relationships within the Department, with supervisors and co-workers, partner agencies and organizations, and with the public. Must have excellent interpersonal skills, and demonstrate empathy, emotional intelligence, and maturity, particularly in dealing with victims of crime and other vulnerable populations. Must maintain self-composure under stressful situations.

Environmental Factors

 Duties are generally performed in the office or courtroom. Travel is required for which private means of transportation must be available. Must be able to work under pressure and deal with victims in emotionally charged circumstances. May encounter hostile persons in the performance of this job. May expect that some work duties will occur outside standard work hours.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree. One year of work experience at or above a technical support level in counseling, social work, legal work, human services program delivery, criminal justice, paralegal work, or other related, relevant discipline.

Additional relevant work experience can be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a 6-month for semester basis.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.