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Victim Witness Advocate

Exempt               Full Time                             37.5 Hours / Week

Reports to      Chief of the Victim Witness Services Bureau 

Placement within MDAO One of the District Courts within Middlesex County

Position Summary

The primary goal of the Victim Witness Bureau is to reduce the level of secondary injury associated with the aftermath of crime and to aid in the prosecution of criminal cases by ensuring that crime victims and witnesses are provided with the entitlements and services mandated by the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B), and those additional services provided as a policy of the Bureau within the office of the Middlesex District Attorney. Victim Witness Advocates are primarily responsible for providing information, support, and advocacy services to victims, witnesses and their families throughout the criminal justice process.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Orient and explain to victims, witnesses, and family members the court process and their rights throughout that process
  • Court accompaniment for victims, witnesses and family members
  • Crisis intervention for victims, witnesses, and family members who are in need as a result of their victimization
  • Provide written and verbal notification to victims and witnesses regarding arrests, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, hearings, grand jury appearances, trials, defaults, dispositions, restitution hearings, sentencing and appellate proceedings
  • Assess and evaluate victim needs and assist with referrals for appropriate services such as: shelter, mental health counseling, peer support groups, emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocation
  • Provide formal and informal education and training to criminal justice and community agencies regarding victim rights and victim witness services
  • Participate/ facilitate in community round tables

Qualifications  

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field and experience in social services or criminal justice
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and workplace etiquette
  • Ability to work well in a high pressure environment with multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality
  • A sincere interest in the public sector, the work of the MDAO, an overall understanding of the Criminal Justice System
  • The sensitive and confidential nature of our work requires strong personal character, integrity, judgment and maturity
  • A general knowledge of office practices and legal principles
  • A valid Massachusetts driver’s license preferred, as limited travel within the Greater Boston area and across Middlesex County may be required from time to time

Salary

$45,000 per year, plus benefits package

MDAO Benefits

The MDAO is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position classification, hours worked per week and other variables. Therefore, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process for this position.

The overall benefits available include: Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave Time; Health, Dental and Vision Insurance through the Commonwealth’s Group Insurance Commission and a pre-tax Health Savings Account optional plan. In addition the MDAO provides employees the opportunity to elect Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Deferred Compensation Savings, Tuition Remission, Pre-Tax Commuter Account, along with other programs.

MDAO employees also participate in the Commonwealth’s State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from state service.

MDAO employees are at-will employees. The MDAO is an equal opportunity employer.

COVID-19

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office requires employees to have received COVID-19 vaccination or to have been approved for exemption as a condition of employment. Finalists will be given details about how to demonstrate receipt of vaccination or request an exemption due to a sincerely held religious belief or if the vaccine is medically contraindicated.

Commitment to Diversity

District Attorney Ryan is committed to building a diverse staff and has formed both internal and external diversity committees to help attract, hire, retain and promote the very best staff, diverse in background and perspective, while helping formulate and guide policy and decision making, and pursue the mission of the office.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an MDAO Application form (found at www.middlesexda.com under the “Careers” tab) with a cover letter, resume, and a list of references to MDAOJobs@state.ma.us. Please indicate in the “Subject” line the position you are applying for.