Victim/Witness Assistant

The Minnehaha County State's Attorney's Office invites applications for a Victim/Witness Assistant to join their legal team. Our Victim/Witness Assistants perform professional social work to provide assistance to those who have been victims or witnesses of crimes and they assist help in navigating and understanding the criminal justice system. To learn more about this position, click here.

Please include a cover letter and resume with the online application.

Carry and manage a caseload of victims and witnesses. File and maintain case records and statistical data. Request and obtain evidence from victims or witnesses, law enforcement, and other sources. Prepare correspondence. Handle notification of, and disputes over, awards to victims or witnesses.

Accompany victims or witnesses and grand jury into the courtroom. Explain case procedures and protection orders to victims or witnesses. Assist with procedures and processes including restitution, safety plans, and related procedures. Provide additional guidance through legal system as needed.

Provide crisis counseling and intervention for victims or witnesses. Diffuse emotional situations. Advocate, refer, and coordinate services for victims and witnesses within and outside the criminal justice system, including Crime Victims Compensation, social service agencies, and other service providers. Provide emergency child care for victims and witnesses. Monitor offender progress in court ordered treatment programs.

Assist prosecutors during trials in interviewing and preparing victims or witnesses for legal proceedings, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of cases, and transporting victims and witnesses to court proceedings. Provide additional assistance to attorneys as directed.

Establish and coordinate with other agencies to provide programs or projects designed to educate the community about the victim witness program. Train and educate law enforcement and attorneys on services available to victims and witnesses. Serve on boards and committees. Represent the State's Attorney's Office at programs and events. Communicate with the media.

Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field plus two years of experience in a field related to the position. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process. Knowledge of modern social work theory and practices. Ability to work effectively with victims and witnesses of the criminal justice system. Ability to understand and follow written and verbal directions. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public. Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Working knowledge of dynamics of domestic violence. Master's degree in social work or a related field. Possession of, or the eligibility to receive, a South Dakota social work license.