VICTIM WITNESS SPECIALIST
District Attorney’s Office
The Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office is accepting applications for a Victim/Witness Specialist. Primary duties will include meeting the needs of crime victims and families of crime victims and acting as a liaison between prosecution staff, law enforcement personnel, social service agencies, the Department of Corrections, and the Clerk of Courts Office. The position will perform a variety of duties requiring professional and administrative skills in the implementation and day-to-day operation of the Kenosha County Victim/Witness Program, as specified in Chapter 950 of the WI Statutes and the WI Constitution.
The applicant must have critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and accuracy, with the ability to work independently. The selected candidate must maintain an open and calm demeanor and be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Working for Kenosha County will allow you to make an impact on the quality of life for its citizens. Our people make the difference!
Kenosha County is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
2025 Hiring Range: $29.01 - $32.97 per hour
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure victim’s rights are met and inform them of their statutory and constitutional rights. Establish initial personal line of communication with victims and advise victims of statutory and constitutional rights.
- Review felony and misdemeanor files which involve victim(s) of a crime.
- Complete the established protocol for processing victim packets in a timely manner. Process requested restitution and victim impact statements.
- Administer programs and implement policies to keep victims and witnesses informed of the status of their case as it moves through the legal system, provide them with information and support, explain basic concepts of a criminal/juvenile trial and of testifying in a criminal/juvenile trial.
- Make daily calls to victims notifying them of the initial appearance of a defendant.
- Assist attorney staff with case analysis, preparation of witness testimony, and coordination of appearances in court.
- Serve as liaison between victims and attorneys, consulting with attorneys regarding case preparation/victim opinion.
- Schedule and participate in interviews with victims/witnesses to assist attorney staff in gathering facts and evidence and to provide support.
- Prepare victims and witnesses for multiple trials every week and coordinate to ensure appearance of victims and witnesses at a jury trial. Coordinate all aspects of a jury trial and arrange victims and witnesses until conclusion of the case.
- Advise victims of the availability of support services and encourage and assist victims in contacting and commencing the utilization of those services.
- Assist victims in recovering restitution and applying for Crime Victim Compensation.
- Educate the community about crime victim issues and answer citizen questions when contacting the District Attorney’s Office.
- Participate in the drug endangered children protocol as a member of the team and report on case referrals to our office. Coordinate between juvenile and criminal court.
- Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Department to notify victims an offender is being released on the electronic monitoring program and to set up exclusion zones.
- Arrange travel and meal arrangements for out-of-town victims and witnesses.
- Assist victims in intervening with their employers and getting property recovered from evidence.
- Coordinate with social workers, law enforcement, probation and parole, clerk’s office, prosecutors, and other agencies on the behalf of the victim.
- Educate community and other Professionals about crime victim issues.
- Locate victims/witnesses. Provide information to the Department of Corrections or the Clerk of Courts office.
- Attend Child Advocacy Center interviews and participate in the multidisciplinary team.
- Participate in the Sexual Assault Response Team.
- Perform other duties as assigned or required. Job duties, job assignments, job location and supervision may change from time to time or be different from those assigned to the person vacating this position.
Success Factors
Knowledge of:
- Criminal justice system and Chapter 950, 48, and 938 of the WI Statutes and the WI Constitution
- Crisis intervention techniques, sexual assault and domestic violence dynamics, homicide survivor and general victimology preferred
- Rules, regulations, and procedures of the District Attorney’s Office
- Other County services
- Legal terminology and court proceedings
- Documents and information needed for court proceedings, as well as court automation programs similar to systems used by the County
Skill in:
- Using Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Using office equipment, including computer, calculator, scanner, phone, and fax machine
- Using software programs related to District Attorney’s office
- Clerical functions (i.e. typing, data entry, filing, organization and customer service)
- Verbal and written communication
- Performing basic internet searches to assist victims/witnesses
Ability to:
- Adhere to professional ethics
- Maintain confidential information
- Handle complex and stressful situations and assignments
- Work independently and multitask
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
- Handle multiple procedural processes simultaneously
- Read and interpret legal documents and reports; understand its purpose to process appropriately
- Listen, communicate, and convey information and regulations clearly over the phone and in person
- Understand and follow written and oral instructions
- Organize self and office in order to meet schedules and deadlines of the work
- Manage time efficiently throughout the day while experiencing interruptions
- Read, interpret, and apply applicable Wisconsin State Statutes, regulations, and requirements, regardless of personal convictions
- Remain detail oriented
- Take initiative and multi-task
- Remain professional and courteous at all times
- Work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment
Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a criminal justice field, social work or human services; and/or
- A minimum of two years’ professional work experience in social work, criminal justice, or related field
Other Job Requirements
- Ability to become and maintain Wisconsin Public Notary
- Ability to access FBI/CIB portals and consent to be fingerprinted
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
- Access to an insured vehicle for use in the performance of the job
- Ability to work overtime as needed
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment, with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off
- Volunteer Paid Time Off
- Twelve Paid Holidays
- Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes County-paid life insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The position involves frequent light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally, and up to 10 lbs. of force frequently and occasional lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as office supplies/large files/reading materials
- Sitting for extended periods of time
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices and objects
- Physical ability to participate in meetings and make visits to other buildings for delivery/set-up of supplies
- Some travel may be required between County facilities
Work Environment
The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The selected candidate will frequently work in an office or similar indoor environment and may sometimes or occasionally work in an outdoor environment, community, and a correctional facility.
- This position will have frequent exposures to individuals who are rude, irate, and may have known violent backgrounds. This position may have occasional exposures to communicable diseases.
Selection Process
- Application Review - Qualifying
- Oral Interview - Qualifying
- Background Check - Qualifying
- Drug Screen - Qualifying
If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.
To learn more about the Kenosha County Victim Witness Services, please visit: https://www.kenoshacounty.org/1283/Victim-Witness-Services
Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.
The pay grade for this position is NE11 (Min. $29.01 - Max. $36.93 per hour)
This position is located in Kenosha County, a growing community along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago. To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, visit: https://www.visitkenosha.com/
Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!
Kenosha County is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.