Part-Time Victim Witness Advocate (Amherst, VA)

Are you passionate about helping others navigate difficult situations and ensuring individuals are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect? Amherst County is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Part-Time Victim Witness Advocate to support victims and witnesses as they navigate the criminal justice system.

The Victim Witness Advocate provides direct support and guidance to victims and witnesses of crime in accordance with the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). This position plays an important role in helping individuals understand their rights, navigate court proceedings, access protective orders, and stay informed throughout the criminal justice process.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with individuals experiencing stressful and sensitive circumstances. A basic understanding of criminal justice procedures and protective orders is preferred but not required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Direct Victim Support: Manage an assigned caseload and maintain consistent communication with victims throughout the court process, providing updates on case developments, upcoming hearings, and other important information.
• Assist with Protective Orders: Help victims obtain new protective orders or extend existing orders by assisting with paperwork, explaining procedures, and accompanying victims to court hearings as needed.
• Support Court Proceedings: Assist fellow advocates during bench and jury trials across Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, General District Court, and Circuit Court.
• Serve as a Liaison: Facilitate communication between victims, witnesses, and prosecutors to help ensure victims remain informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process.
• Maintain Accurate Records: Enter and maintain required victim service information in the Victim Services Data Collection System (VSDCS) in accordance with Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) requirements.
• Provide Additional Assistance: Perform other related duties as needed to support the Victim Witness Program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of criminal justice procedures and protective orders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Compassion, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing challenging circumstances.
• Ability to work collaboratively with victims, witnesses, prosecutors, court personnel, and fellow advocates.

Previous experience in victim services, social services, or the criminal justice system is beneficial but not required.

Position Details

• Position: Part-Time Victim Witness Advocate
• Schedule: 32 hours per week
• Compensation: $17/hr+ to commensurate with relevant experience and skills
• Benefits: This position is not eligible for employee benefits.
• Funding: Continued employment is contingent upon the availability and award of annual grant funding.
• Reports To: Victim Witness Program Director
• Work Location: Shares office space with the Amherst County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Join Our Team

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families during some of their most difficult moments. If you are compassionate, dependable, and committed to helping victims and witnesses understand their rights and navigate the criminal justice system, we encourage you to apply.

This is a non-management position
This is a part time position