VICTIM WITNESS SPECIALIST

Victim Witness Specialist

Washington County, located in West Bend, Wisconsin has an excellent opportunity for a Victim Witness Specialist within the District Attorney's Office. Under the supervision of the Victim/Witness Coordinator and District Attorney, provides information regarding Victim Rights and the Criminal Justice System to victims and witnesses of adult and juvenile crime.

Washington County is recognized for our commitment to providing quality services to the citizens of our community. Our team members embrace the challenge of meeting goals and expectations. Every day we work to creatively problem solve, innovate and collaborate as a team to meet customer needs and deliver solutions.

Our Mission: We create an environment for residents and businesses to enjoy our authentic quality of life through a well governed and administered county dedicated to safe and secure communities; economic growth and vitality; effective mobility and reliable infrastructure; and access to basic needs.
Our Vision: Washington County strives to cultivate its rich heritage, vibrant economy and attractive communities through the distinct values that define us.
Our Values: Respect, Optimism, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Collaboration.

Washington County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance; Short and Long Term Disability; Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts; Health Savings Account (HSA); Wisconsin Retirement System and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (IRS 457); Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO); tuition and fitness center reimbursement.

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Victim/Witness Coordinator and District Attorney, provides information regarding Victim Rights and the Criminal Justice System to victims and witnesses of adult and juvenile crime. Acts as a victim/witness advocate protecting the rights of victims and witnesses as set forth in Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes, Victims' Rights Constitutional Amendment, and enabling legislation.

Duties/Responsibilities: The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

*Reviews police reports from law enforcement agencies to determine victim of crime charged.
*Contacts and informs victims of their rights under Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes, the criminal justice system, and community and governmental resources available to them.
*Assists victims with exercising their rights.
*Acts as victim/witness advocate and liaison with prosecutors, courts, law enforcement, Human Services, non-profit agencies, and Department of Corrections.
*Maintains communication with prosecutors regarding case status and victim/witness problems.
*Maintains detailed accounts of conversations with victims in files (case management).
*Collects restitution information from victims and compiles information to determine a final amount to be ordered by the court. Provides restitution information to the Department of Corrections for collection.
*Informs victims of Crime Victim Compensation benefits and assists with application process. Maintains communication with Crime Victim Compensation staff regarding status of case.
*Provides answers to the general public as to the rights of victims, the criminal justice system, and available resources.
*Assists prosecutors in preparing witnesses for testifying. Reassures reluctant witnesses and seeks resolution to problems they may have with appearing in court.
*Investigates whereabouts of witnesses when not found for service of subpoena.
*Releases witnesses from subpoena when trial is cancelled or witness is not needed.
*Provides child care for witness children when needed.
*Conducts domestic violence charging conferences with victim and assists prosecutor in charging decision.
*Assists victims with preparing and filing of restraining order paperwork for domestic violence, harassment and child abuse.
*Organizes and speaks at public education events relating to crime victim topics.
*Serves on community resource/task force teams as victim/witness representative.
*Attends and successfully completes continued training to maintain Wisconsin Victim Witness Professional credentials and National credential status.
*Abides by the Wisconsin Victim Witness Professional Code of Ethics and the National Organization for Victim Assistance Code of Professional Ethics for Victim Assistance Providers.
*Performs related work as required or assigned.
*Performs other duties as assigned, including responding to an emergency event.

Work Direction Received: Works under the supervision of the Victim/Witness Coordinator and District Attorney.

Decision Making: Decisions concerning work priorities, all victim/witness related matters and other daily activities are made independently.

Interaction: There is significant interaction with the court system, law enforcement, victims and witnesses, other County and State Departments, non-profit agencies, and the general public.

Essential Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes and applicable laws related to victims and witnesses and misdemeanor and felony crimes. Knowledge of legal terminology and court process and procedure. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and interact effectively with victims, witnesses, court personnel, law enforcement and the general public. Ability to make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies. Able to fulfill physical demands of job, sensory demands (seeing and hearing), and cognitive demands (concentration, conceptualization, memorization).

Training and Experience:

*Two years of post high school education with courses in social work, criminal justice or related field and four years of experience in victim services, social work, criminal justice or the legal system.

OR

*A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in social work, criminal justice or related field and one year of experience in victim services, social work, criminal justice or the legal system.
*A minimum of two years computer experience is required.

Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individual with Disabilities

Position : 200583

Job Family : LEGAL

Posting Start : 08/03/2026

Posting End : 12/31/9999

HOURLY RATE RANGE: $25.71-$34.21