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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2009 (20) RESOLUTION APPROVING THE NEW POSITION OF VICTIM SERVICES ASSISTANT IN THE VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Resolution No. , 6 , )- 06 ` St. Croix County, Wisconsin WHEREAS, the County's Victim/Witness Assistance program has been serving an increasing number of victims and witnesses involved in a likewise increasing number of defendant cases in recent years; and WHEREAS, attempts to fill an additional position in the past has been denied due to lack of funds; and WHEREAS, continued County growth appears related to increases in the number of crimes committed in the County; and WHEREAS, the addition of a fourth judge also contributes to the workload faced in the Victim/Witness program; and WHEREAS, the District Attorney's office and Victim/Witness Coordinator have identified funds through the Wisconsin Department of Justice under Chapter 950, and through the Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program to cover the costs of a Victim Services Assistant position; and WHEREAS, the Public Protection and Finance Committees have reviewed the attached position description and funding options and approved forwarding the position request to the Board; and WHEREAS, the staffing of the position will continue as long as non - County funding sources can cover the cost of the position or it is determined the position is no longer needed; THEREFORE, be it resolved that the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors approves a new position titled Victim Services Assistant to be compensated at an appropriate union pay grade negotiated with AFSCME Local 576B, with a projected start date of July 1, 2009. Offered by the Finance Committee YES NO ABSTAIN ABSENT SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE ) ® ❑ ❑ ❑ Daryl Standafer ❑ ❑ ❑ Esther Wentz i► '` 1411 Sharon Norton- ® ❑ ❑ ❑ Bauman �.� T�lcl + a -/2 ® ❑ ❑ ❑ Clarence Malick JJI " r ® ❑ ❑ ❑ David Peterson Gk This Resolution was ado ted by t e §t. Croix County Board Reviewed as to form on � � of Supervisors on l o Greg Ti erman, Corporation Counsel Cindy Campbell, County Clerk 1 VICTIM SERVICES ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUPERVISOR: Victim Witness Coordinator Revised: 3 -02 -09 Pay /Grade: FLSA Status: General Statement of Duties: This position provides assistance to the Victim/Witness Coordinator, Specialist and Legal Advocate as part of the team that provides services to victims of crime. The Victim Services Assistant uses policies defined in WI Statutes 949, 950, and 970 and VOCA grant to provide services and support to individuals that are victims of crime as well as their families. Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class: This position receives, screens, and directs inquiries, both by phone and in person, from victims, other service providers, attorneys, law enforcement, and the general public. The Assistant utilizes knowledge of County, State, and Federal policies and procedures to screen and direct department inquiries, prepare restitution documents for court usage, and maintains current resource information. The Assistant provides direct service contact with victims to assure victims are provided information related to court appearances and hearings, as well as changes in the time and date of those appearances and hearings. Examples of Work (Illustrative only): Assists the Victim/Witness Coordinator, Specialist and Legal Advocate, and District Attorney's office by screening individuals who contact the program either by phone or in person to assure that victims are not further victimized once they become part of the system. Screens and directs program inquiries from victims and witnesses, other service providers, attorneys, law enforcement and the general public. Assesses the victim's emotional, physical safety and financial needs; makes referral to community resources; provides information regarding Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation program and assists with application. Provides short term crisis intervention for victims as needed. Works as a liaison with other V/W staff and the case prosecutor to make certain victims and witnesses appear for hearings as scheduled. Provides direct services to victims and witnesses to determine if there are problems that would complicate their need to appear at a hearing and do whatever is needed to facilitate their appearance. Works with other V/W and DA staff to assure victims and witnesses are notified promptly of any change or cancellation of scheduled court events. Provides assistance and support to the victims /petitioners of domestic abuse, sexual assault, harassment, child abuse, individuals at risk and other crimes seeking restraining orders and injunctions. Provides follow -up services for persons seeking and /or have obtained restraining orders and /or injunctions. Provides employer intercession services to assist victims and witnesses who need to be away from work to appear at Court hearings. Work with victims to assure that a victim's right to receive restitution is met through the dispersal of the Restitution Request form to each victim for completion and return, for verification prior to sentencing of the defendant. Provides victims' restitution information to the Court prior to the time of sentencing, with required copies to the DA/ADA and defense attorney prior to the sentencing hearing In instances where restitution cannot be determined prior to sentencing, works collaboratively with the victim(s) and the Department of Corrections to determine restitution within the Court's time frame to assure victims receive compensation for their losses. Processes incoming and outgoing mail; mails subpoenas and provides appearance information to victims and witnesses, answers telephone inquiries about the program. Performs other duties as assigned. Required skills, knowledge and abilities: A Bachelor Degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or related field required. Experience should include the ability to attend to detail, to work with persons who have been victimized and /or witnesses of crimes, to work with other victim service agencies, to work with insurance companies, and other collateral resources. Knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding victimization is desirable, in addition to prior experience within in the criminal justice system working with crime victims; knowledge of community resources available to crime victims and the ability to utilize those resources; good written and verbal communication skills; the ability to work independently or under supervision; and the ability to be flexible and adaptable.