Victim Witness Advocate, Western MA Regional Office

Victim Witness Advocate (Western MA Regional Office, Springfield)
Criminal Bureau/Victim Witness Services Division

Attorney General Maura Healey is seeking a highly motivated person to join the Victim Services Division as a Victim Witness Advocate in the Western Massachusetts Regional Office in Springfield. The primary responsibility of the Victim Witness Advocate is to ensure that crime victims, witnesses, and their families are provided with the rights and services mandated by the Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B) on cases within the Criminal Bureau of the Attorney General's Office. The caseload for this position covers each county within the Commonwealth.

This position includes handling both Gaming Enforcement Division investigation/cases related to the MGM Casino in Springfield, MA, and Superior Court cases that will be investigated and prosecuted within divisions in the Criminal Bureau. The Gaming Enforcement Division is a statewide team of prosecutors, investigators, and administrative and other staff, partnered with the Massachusetts State Police, and charged with investigating and prosecuting gaming-related crimes pursuant to M.G.L. c. 12, § 11M. The Victim Witness Advocate will work closely with prosecutors and staff of the Hampden County District Attorney's Office assigned to the Springfield District Court.

Duties and Responsibilities: Responsible for providing information, support, and advocacy services to victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the criminal justice process. Duties include but are not limited to:

Working with Assistant Attorneys General, investigators, support service providers, and criminal justice system personnel to ensure that victims receive the rights established in the Victim Bill of Rights;
Reporting daily to Springfield District Court;
Responding to victim/witness inquiries, assessing needs, and determining necessary support resources;
Providing crisis intervention and support service referrals to other state and community agencies;
Assisting with restraining orders and harassment prevention orders in person at Springfield District Court;
Advocating on behalf of victims and providing information on investigation/prosecution updates, schedule changes, and substantive case information;
Providing in-court accompaniment and assistance with victims and witnesses during hearings and trial;
Maintaining an assigned caseload;
Other related duties, as needed and required, to effectuate the above duties and responsibilities.

Position Type: Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Salary: $47,355 to $54,574

When applying for this position, you will be asked to provide a cover letter and resume.

The application deadline for this posting is November 28, 2022.

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants who are in need of an accommodation. For assistance, contact the Human Resources Division at (617) 963-2041.

Inquiries regarding position & status may be made to:
Megan Murphy, Senior Victim Witness Advocate
Victim Witness Services Division
(617) 963-2971

The Attorney General's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As the representative of the Commonwealth and its residents, the Attorney General's Office strives to ensure that those working in our office reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. The Office encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.


Job Qualifications:

Applicants must have at least three to five years' experience in victim witness advocacy within the criminal justice system or other related work, such as experience in crisis intervention or human support services. Specialized experience working with multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement, prosecutors, investigators, and community victim service providers is required. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a bachelor 's degree and possess strong verbal, written, and organizational skills. Ability to travel statewide is necessary. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a connection to the people and communities we serve, including historically marginalized communities, and an interest in supporting a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Please Note: COVID-19 vaccines are required of all AGO employees. Absent an approved medical or religious accommodation or pregnancy exemption, all new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to beginning employment with the AGO. Additionally, new hires are required to receive their first booster shot prior to the start of their employment, or within 30 days of eligibility, absent an approved medical or religious accommodation or pregnancy exemption. Our hybrid model includes some telework days for most positions.