The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office seeks a full-time Victim Witness Advocate (VWA). The VWA is responsible for providing crisis assessment and intervention, information and referrals, supportive counseling, and court advocacy services to victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the criminal justice system. This position reports to Director of VWA Unit.
MISSION OF THE BERKSHIRE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office is charged with the mission of prosecuting criminal offenses in Berkshire County in a fair and efficient manner. The Office is required to provide staffing, equipment, and services to the citizens of Berkshire County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to meet that objective.
The Office is a Commonwealth agency, established in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 12, Sections 12 and 13. The Office is responsible for all criminal prosecutions in Berkshire County, covering everything from misdemeanors to major felonies. The Office handles cases in the County’s District Courts (including Jury sessions), Juvenile Courts, and Superior Court, and is responsible for all appeals to the State Appeals Court and Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. In addition, the Office provides critical services and programs to victims and their families and to the community at large.
Responsibilities
• Timely and culturally competent delivery of service in compliance with MGL 258B (Victims’ Bill of Rights); • Provide crisis intervention to victims and their family members suffering from crime related trauma
• Intake and screening, documenting case activity, and communicating with assistant district attorneys, investigators, support staff, police, collateral service providers, and court personnel;
• Management of cases primarily involving victims of violence and those who sustain serious physical, emotional, or financial injury;
• Document and maintain case activity
• Consult with Assistant District Attorneys throughout case
• Provide information on social services and financial assistance while promoting relationships
with collateral service providers
• Responsible for learning about diverse socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and ethnic populations
in Berkshire County and ensuring that service delivery is reflective of their clients’ unique needs;
• Providing outreach, education, and training to service providers and community groups
regarding victimization, victim rights, victim/witness services, and the criminal justice system;
and
• Required to participate in regular staff meetings, individual and group supervisions.
Required Qualifications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail;
- Ability to update the case management system both accurately and timely;
- Ability to assess and address issues and matters in a timely fashion;
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment;
- Ability to work independently and be part of a team;
- Strong computer skills, must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite;
- Strong interpersonal skills and be able to maintain a professional workplace etiquette; and
- Strong personal character and be able to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Fluency or Conversational Abilities in Spanish
- COVID-19 vaccination is required
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or strong relevant experience
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team setting;
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system and interest in public service
Berkshire District Attorney’s Office is an EEO Employer with a firm commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices.
Please send cover letter, resume and references to Contact.BerkshireDA-Hiring@mass.gov