ROLE
We need an experienced Victim Witness Assistant at the United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania (USAO-EDPA). The office's Victim Witness Unit supports crime victims and witnesses throughout the federal criminal justice process, coordinating court logistics, case tracking, and access to victim services. In this role, you will assist the Victim Witness Coordinator and Specialists with court event logistics, prepare witnesses to testify by explaining processes and available resources, provide victims with updates on case status, pleas, trial results, and defendant incarceration, and orient victims to the Crime Victim Compensation Program. This is a full-time opportunity. We can offer a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assists the Victim Witness Coordinator and Specialists with logistics of court events, including issues concerning employer coordination
- Prepares witnesses to testify by explaining processes, procedures, and available resources, including the Victim Compensation Assistance Program
- Provides information on victim impact statements
- Provides victims with updates on schedule changes, defendant plea status, trial results, and status and term of defendant incarceration
- Orients victims to the Crime Victim Compensation Program and explains eligibility and application procedures
- Responds to victim inquiries by conducting initial screening and determining eligibility for services based on prescribed criteria
- Provides routine information on community organizations offering medical, psychological, legal, financial, shelter, childcare, and employment services, in consultation with the Coordinator and Specialists and per USAO guidelines
- Inputs daily work product into the Victim Service Tracking System (VSTS)
- Researches returned mail and coordinates remailing of notification letters with the assigned Victim Witness Specialist
- Coordinates with team members and support staff on court support
- Coordinates with team members and support staff on processing of fact witness vouchers
- Manages a calendar of active victim cases, tracking hearings, trial dates, and sentencing dates
- Develops and maintains a tracking system of ongoing cases and keeps the Coordinator and Specialists informed of case status
- Researches and collects resources and information for crime victims and witnesses as needs arise
- Assists and provides support for National Crime Victim Rights' Week
BACKGROUND/REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, communication, or a related field with trauma informed training
- At least two years working in the field of victim services and criminal justice
- Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively as a team member and with other federal, state, county, and local entities
- Strong ability to multitask and work under pressure
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to interact appropriately, demonstrate sensitivity to crime victims from diverse communities, exercise good judgment, and establish rapport with city, state, and federal entities
- Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
LOCATION
- 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250, Philadelphia, PA 19106
CLEARANCE
- Eligible to obtain a Tier 1, low level public trust
- Must be a US Citizen
CLIENT
- US Attorney’s Office (USAO), Eastern District of PA (EDPA)
HOURS
- 40 hours per week
- 8 hours per day
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION
- Employment Classification Eligibility – W2
RELOCATION
- Not eligible for relocation benefits
COMPENSATION
- Base Hourly Wage: $29.55 per hour
- Health & Welfare (Benefits rate): $5.09 per hour
- Total Hourly Compensation: $34.64 per hour
- Benefits: Health & Welfare benefits contribution as required under the Service Contract Act (SCA); Benefits package includes options for health, dental and vision insurance coverage
West 4th Strategy is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.          Â
Other Considerations: This position is W-2 only; no Corp-to-Corp or 1099 candidates. Relocation will not be offered. This position requires access to Department of Justice facilities and systems. As a condition of employment, selected candidates must complete and receive favorable adjudication from a federal government background investigation as required by the U.S. Department of Justice. Individual’s primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 80% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 80% of the time.
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