*POSITION AVAILABLE*
Major Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
- In conjunction with the Prosecuting Attorney, manages a courtroom docket, which includes prepping cases for court, and working directly with victims in court.
Interview victims/witnesses to family violence with awareness and COLUMBUS CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/VICTIMS OF CRIME LEGAL ADVOCATE
Reports to: Director, Domestic Violence/Stalking Unit Section: DV/Stalking Unit
Classification: Legal Advocate, Unclassified
FLSA Status: Nonexempt (overtime eligible) Compensation Plan: CWA
Position Summary:
Under supervision of the Director and the Courtroom Advocacy Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit, is responsible for providing advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and/or stalking, and for preparing the case files to be used by Prosecutors during Municipal Court proceedings; other duties as assigned.
- sensitivity to the trauma they have experienced.
- Thoroughly documents and completes all notes associated with each case, ensuring the notes are pertinent and concise
- Evaluates each case to determine required documents and information and takes actions necessary to obtain the documents and information, including but not limited to, contacting all agencies and offices that might have needed information.
- Educates victims regarding safety planning and maintains knowledge of current community resources that might benefit victims of crime.
- Assists victims in the courtroom taking appropriate safety measures, keeping the victim informed of the progress of the case, and providing victims with referrals to community resources.
- Contacts victims prior to court hearings to offer support, to remind them of the hearing, and to determine if there is additional information that may be relevant to the prosecution of the case.
- Enters relevant data into the Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit database in a timely manner.
- Acts as liaison for crime victim and the prosecutor.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
- Domestic violence and stalking issues and concepts.
- Victim advocacy and investigative techniques.
- The operation of the criminal justice system particularly as it relates to the prosecution of domestic violence and stalking cases.
- Basic word processing, keyboarding, scanning and data entry.
- Community referral resources.
Ability to:
- Work independently without direct supervision.
- Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
- Organize information provided by others.
- Effectively maintain good relations during contact with diverse population.
- Maintain calm in highly charged, crisis situation.
- Talk to and interview others to obtain or exchange information.
- Operate a computer for word processing and/or entering data.
- Follow oral and written instructions.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
- Maintain confidentiality of privileged information.
- Work a non-traditional workweek and/or work Saturday mornings.
Desirable Education and Experience
- Completion of a two-year college degree; bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Prior experience working with the public.
- Some combination of education and experience, which would provide the necessary knowledge and abilities
Typical Physical and Mental Demands
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk or hear, and type and reach with hands and arms.
- Must have the ability to organize and track information.
- Must use independent judgment to make decisions when addressing issues with victims, attorneys, judges, the public, and co-workers.
- Ability to work effectively, with teamwork orientation, in daily activities as well as in unique circumstances.
- Communicate orally with a broad range of people face-to-face, by telephone, and by computer.
- Frequently use office equipment such as digital cameras, computer terminals, printers, copiers, and fax machines.
Work Environment
- Job is performed indoors in an office and courtroom setting and includes extensive work at a computer monitor and with the telephone.
- Must move from office to court and other offices.
- There may be some exposure to angry, upset, or hostile individuals.
Anyone interested should submit resumes and cover letters to Julienne Long @ jelong@columbus.gov and Keionna Ashcraft @ kpashcraft@columbus.gov by December 8, 2023.