Victim Witness Specialist

Full Job Description

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

GS-9: To be eligible at the GS-9 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level is defined as performing the following types of duties: supporting ongoing victim-witness communication needs by participating in a comprehensive victim-witness program; disseminating information and responding to victim witness issues by communicating effectively with the public and/or law enforcement agencies; assisting with witness travel services; and providing direct support to crime victims and/or witnesses.

OR Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology): a Master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR LL.B.

or J.D., if related.

Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

OR Combining Graduate Level Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements.

In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 1 full year. Major Duties:

If selected for this position, you will serve as Victim Witness Specialist for the United States Attorney's Office (USAO), Western District of Michigan.

At the full performance level, the Victim Witness Specialist will provide direct assistance and liaison services to crime victims and witnesses to facilitate prosecutions.

If selected, you will receive formal and/or on-the-job training as needed.

Duties include: Direct dissemination of information pertinent to various victim and witness protection laws; Speaking to public, civic, industry, and special interest groups on victims issues; Coordinating efforts with local victim services providers, social services, law enforcement based victim assistance providers, and prosecution based victim-witness staff; Responding to victim inquiries, assessing concerns, and determining program eligibility for victim-witness services; Advocating on behalf of crime victims in regard to issues and problems caused by crime; Providing information to victims on schedule changes, status of defendant's pleas, results of trial; Providing in-court support during hearings and trials; Obtaining services and assistance for victims and witnesses through specific federal programs and funds; Reviewing literature on victim witness issues; Generating statistical and quantitative reports and analysis of program activity; Analyzing and applying changes in legislation, case law, and court rules.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.