Victim Witness Assistant (OA)

Summary

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York prosecutes cases involving violations of federal laws and represents the interests of the United States government and its agencies in criminal and civil matters. The Office investigates and prosecutes a broad array of criminal conduct of every conceivable magnitude, even when the conduct arises in distant places. This position is also being announced to applicants under Merit Staffing procedures under 26-NYS-13065661-MP

Duties

If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team in the Victim Witness Unit responsible for the District's Victim Witness program. Typical work assignments will include: Responds to victim inquiries via phone, e-mail, letters and fax, providing initial screening of victim concerns, and determining program eligibility for victim-witness services. Maintains accurate resource materials that identify available counseling and treatment programs in the jurisdiction. Provides information to victims on schedule changes, status of defendants' pleas, results of trial, and whether a defendant is incarcerated and for how long, opportunities to address the court, and post-sentencing notification. Coordinates with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, as needed, to assist victims with the return of their property being held as evidence, obtaining copies of reports needed for securing services and assistance from other programs. Assists Victim-Witness staff and other support staff with logistics of court events by assisting victims and witnesses with issues concerning employers in connection with court appearances, preparing witnesses to testify by explaining processes and procedures and resources available to them, providing information on restitution to AUSAs, and forwarding Victim Impact Statements to U.S. Probation. Secures travel and lodging reservations for victims and witnesses and prepares vouchers for payment and reimbursement of expenses. Assists with the mailing, emailing and distribution of victim and witness notifications and information. Inputs data into applicable databases and produces notification documents using the automated Victim Notification System (VNS). Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required basic requirement and specialized experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying: To qualify at the GS-8 level, you must possess: Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service performing (obtained in either the public or private sectors) (4) of the (6) duties listed below: Screening victim, witness, client, or customer concerns and determining eligibility for available services; Maintaining case tracking or tickler systems and advising program staff of case status and upcoming actions; Assisting victims, clients, or customers in obtaining available benefits, services, resources, or referrals; Preparing witnesses, clients, or customers for hearings, meetings, or other proceedings by explaining applicable processes, procedures, and available resources; Maintaining case files, correspondence, reports, and related records; Arranging travel and preparing vouchers or other documentation for payment of authorized expenses. Typing Proficiency: To be qualified, you must type at least 40 words per minute based on a 5 minute sample with three or fewer errors. (A typing test may later be required.) IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.