Victim Witness Program Advocate
Salary
$28.20 - $34.37 Hourly
Location
Attorney/Victim Witness- 502 S. 19th Ave, Suite 102, MT
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
00893
Department
County Attorney
Opening Date
09/29/2026
POSITION OVERVIEW
This position is located in the Gallatin County Attorney's Office and is responsible for providing system-based advocacy services to victims and witnesses of violent crimes through the Victim Witness Assistance Program. The position reports to the County Attorney through the Victim Witness Program Director and does not supervise others.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Acts as liaison between victims and witnesses, law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts to maintain awareness of all proceedings related to victims and witnesses in the program, and to obtain current and accurate information regarding offender status, prosecutor's position, etc. to keep victim/witness informed. Represents the interests and wishes of the victim or witness in dealing with legal representatives and serves as victim's or witness's advocate until the case is adjudicated. Evaluates and assesses individual needs of the victim, determines whether necessary resources are available, refers victim to counseling services, and provides referrals to other community resources that could provide more extensive assistance as needed.
- Provides professional advocacy services to victims and witnesses, including referrals to legal advocacy, criminal justice advocacy, and providing court support. Represents the interest of the victims and witnesses with prosecutors and others, provides guidance, assists victims and witnesses in testifying and preparing victim impact statements, conducts interviews with law enforcement to obtain further information, and attends court hearings to provide moral support to victims and witnesses.
- Provides guidance and assistance with Crime Victim Compensation. Guides victims through required paperwork, collects required information, explains process, assesses qualifications of victims for compensation, and coordinates with the Montana Board of Crime Control to facilitate compensation procedures.
- Provides personal advocacy to victims and witnesses in a variety of circumstances. For example, contacts creditors (i.e. for medical bills) as needed to intervene and explain victim's status, negotiate payment options, etc. on behalf of the victim.
- Provides funding for emergency services on a case-by-case basis as needed for victims of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assaults. This may include emergency hotel stays, gas cards, gift cards for essential items and household expenses and other items as needed.
- Ensures that the rights of violent crime victims as defined by state statutes are being upheld. Documents all contact with victims and witnesses, coordination with legal representatives, and other activities.
- Establishes and maintains confidential files for each victim and witness including documentation of all contact. Files may be subpoenaed, so documentation must be very detailed and specific.
- Obtains and compiles copies of bond orders from all courts for inclusion in files.
- Enters data for each victim, offender, and pertinent case information into program database.
- Updates and maintains database as needed to ensure currency of data.
Other Duties as Assigned
- Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by supervisor. This includes participating in special projects, occasionally filling in for other employees, participating in ongoing training, and a variety of other functions as needed. If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to an actual or threatened disaster such as an earthquake, fire, riot, flood, etc., County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and for a subsequent period of assessment and recovery.
QUALIFICATIONS
This work requires knowledge of counseling, victim advocacy services, legal and law enforcement proceedings, criminal justice system, Crime Victim Compensation requirements and guidelines, and available community resources, skill in the use of customized databases, and excellent communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of directly related education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a human services field, specialized training in Victim Advocacy, and some related work experience.
Licenses and Certifications: Applicants for this position must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of Montana, provide own transportation to conduct out of office job duties (mileage reimbursement provided under the County policy), and to be insurable under the County's liability policies.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal and driving background check.
Please be prepared to attach the following documents when you apply online:
- Cover Letter
- Resume and
- Three (3) work references
Gallatin County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment on the basis of merit and qualifications without regard to race, creed, religion, color, or national origin or because of age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex when the reasonable demands of the position do not require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex distinction.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
- Individual health benefits premium is paid at 100% for full-time employees and pro-rated based on hours worked for part-time employees
- Includes limited vision and dental coverage (Dental is provided by MetLife and includes a dental buy-up option)
- Dependent health benefits premium is offered at very low costs
- Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
- Talkspace: In-Network behavioral health support through virtual counseling & psychiatry
- Optional Supplemental Coverage is offered through Mutual of Omaha including Voluntary Accident Policy, Voluntary Critical Illness Policy and Voluntary Life Insurance Policy (also available for dependents)
- FREE unlimited access and care to PMR Clinic East. This is a private Clinic and is available to all employees and family members who are enrolled in our health benefits.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Optional pre-tax, out-of-pocket medical expenses & day care expenses
COUNTY PAID LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 Group Life Insurance Policy (eligible employees only) (age reductions apply)
COUNTY PAID LONG TERM DISABLITY INSURANCE: Eligible employees only, benefit duration shortens once a specific age is reached
RETIREMENT:
- County employees are covered by the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS)
- County Deputies and Detention Officers are covered by the Sheriff's Retirement System (SRS)
- An optional supplemental 457 deferred compensation plan/ROTH is available through Empower and Nationwide
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE:
- Eligible employees are offered a maximum of six weeks (240 hours) of paid parental leave for the bonding and care of a newborn child or adoption of a child
SICK AND VACATION LEAVE:
- Employees accrue 12 sick days and 3 weeks of vacation per year, depending on years of service. (Hours are pro-rated for part-time employees)
- Leave starts accruing on an employee's date of hire and can be used as soon as time is in the books.
HOLIDAYS:
- The County observes 11 legal holidays in even numbered years (Federal Election Day) and 10 legal holidays in odd numbered years.
- A Floating Holiday is available to eligible employees after six months.
HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Discounted rates are offered at participating clubs with payroll deduction.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
- Offers a confidential counseling hotline and up to six sessions with a Licensed Professional Counselor at no cost to the employee. This program is also available to dependents.
WORLDWIDE TRAVEL EMERGENCY PROGRAM AND WILL & LEGAL PREPARATION SERVICES:
- Limited 24/7 services anywhere in the world
- Will and limited legal service
TUITION ASSISTANCE:
- The County offers partial reimbursement of qualifying tuition expenses
BILINGUAL PAY:
- Gallatin County allows for bilingual pay to employees that provide translation services to County departments and offices. The bilingual pay allows for extra compensation to employees that provide this service.
Employer Gallatin County
Address 311 W. Main
Room 303
Bozeman, Montana, 59715
Phone 406-582-3045
Website http://www.gallatin.mt.gov