DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for assisting families, victims and witnesses of crimes as well as the administration, management and planning for the Victim Assistance Program (VAP), which is sponsored through the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office. The incumbent in this classification assists the victims by furnishing information on the Rights of Crime Victims in New York State, explaining the availability of compensation through the NYS Crime Victims Board and servicing emergency needs such as shelter, transportation and financial assistance. An employee in the class will keep abreast of each felony and misdemeanor case and stay in contact with victims as they go through the various procedures of the justice system. This could include assisting with the filing of forms and statements as well as acting as the liaison between law enforcement and prosecutors. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Coordinates services for crime victims within various agencies throughout the county.

Meets and maintains contact with victims and families from cases pending in the District Attorney’s Office.

Provides 24 hour crisis counseling for victims and refers out for long-term counseling when needed.

Assists with funeral and other arrangements for homicide victims.

Assists victims and families in the application process for the New York State Crime Victims Board.

Accompanies victims to court as needed.

Acts as liaison between law enforcement and prosecutors, if necessary.

Assists in filing forms i.e. Victim Impact Statement and notification of any deadline for filing of these forms.

Provides information on the Rights of Crime Victims in New York State.

Keeps detailed log of all incoming calls and walk-ins and maintains case files.

Provides information, referrals and advocacy to crime victims.

Sends letters to victims of crime notifying them of available services in the VAP and/or relevant criminal case information.

Provides assistance to misdemeanor victims within the Municipal Court Bureau.

Is on-call 24 hours/7 days for crisis and support calls from District Attorney’s personnel and law enforcement.

Trains and oversees volunteers and interns.

Make public speaking appearances throughout Onondaga County when needed.

Prepares program and statistical reports as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of criminal justice systems and local law enforcement agencies.

Thorough knowledge of local community human services network.

Ability to present ideas clearly and effectively in both written and oral communications.

Ability to prepare clear and concise written material including grant proposals.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Baccalaureate Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Counseling or a closely related field; or,

B. Four (4) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, involving crisis intervention or counseling in the criminal justice system; or,

C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of A and B above.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

Candidates must be able to read, write and converse in Spanish and English. A candidate’s Spanish speaking oral proficiency will be evaluated during the employee’s probationary period.

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