Victim Witness Coordinator

VICTIM WITNESS COORDINATOR

REHABILITATION AND PROGRAMS

STATEWIDE

MISSION -Montana Department of Corrections is creating a safer Montana through Accountability Rehabilitation and Empowerment.

If you want to work making positive changes in the community the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

JOB OVERVIEW- This positions primary duty is to assist victims of crime protect and advocate for the rights of victims provide necessary information and prevent further victimization. This position develops and conducts training for service-agencies community-based programs and criminal justice personnel.

• Coordinate interagency safety planning for victims of high-risk offenders confined in MDOC facilities county jails or living in the community under supervision of the Department.
• Receives and evaluates referrals from multiple sources identifying offender behavior indicating risk to victims
• Contacts victims to assess risk and interest in services
• Identifies specific victim needs and refers to resources
• Assists with reunification efforts and education/risk reduction in Domestic Violence Cases
• Assists with Domestic Violence Specialized Caseloads if available
• Provides Family Group/Team Meetings to assist in mitigating risk and reducing victim concerns
• Convenes departmental staff victims support network and community team members to develop a coordinated safety plan
• Facilitates communication among victim and team members
• Communicates safety plan details
• Monitors implementation of plan adjusting as needed
• Remains a member of the victims support system throughout the offenders supervision under MDOC to include:
• Repeat Family Group/Team Meetings as needed to support risk reduction
• Victim Impact Statement Assistance
• Referral to MDOC restorative justice programs for possible participation
• Supports victim through parole and conditional release processes and as the offenders sentence discharges to ensure continuity of care
• Collaborate with Probation and Parole Officers during the Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) process the risk assessment process the development of offender supervision plans the conditional release process and reentry planning to ensure that information from victim(s) is appropriately considered and integrated into these processes.
• In high-risk situations assists with developing a relationship with the victim and assists with the victim impact statement portion of the process; or
• Completes the PSI as determined appropriate
• Completes risk assessment
• Works with victim the victims support network Family Group/Team Meeting members and staff to develop and coordinate a safety plan
• Communicates with prison and community corrections staff regarding victim safety concerns and proximity issues
• Recommends alternative offender placements as appropriate
• Evaluates need for geographic restrictions or exceptions to release to county of origin
• Works with staff to develop supervision conditions and compliance monitoring plans
• Develop and maintain a network of collaborative partnerships with victim advocates criminal justice agencies and other community-based service providers in support of victim safety during offender reintegration into the community in high-risk situations.
• Assesses capacity of criminal justice and social service agencies in the service area to meet the needs of crime victims
• Participates in local networking and service coordination meetings to facilitate and develop a stronger local service network for victims as well as more efficient protocols for collaboration and referral
• Maintains open communication and durable working relationships with local agency partners
• Provide training to prisons community partners and field staff regarding Victim Services Program functions and responds effectively to the needs of crime victims.
• Trains in academies and other settings
• Provides in-service training to prison case managers community corrections facilities local Probation and Parole offices and supervisors regarding effective responses to victims needs and concerns
• Effectively deescalates emotionally charged victim situations notifying appropriate parties of concerns
• Provides to crime victims: crisis counseling and intervention follow-up counseling personal and/or legal advocacy order of protection assistance victim impact statement assistance notification registration information information and referral accurate and timely information to victims of crime.

The hourly rate of this position will increase by $1.00 per hour or 2.5% whichever is greater effective July 1 2025 and July 1 2026 in accordance with HB13. Pay increases for union positions are contingent upon a ratified collective bargaining agreement.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• State of Montana Application