Crime Victim Advocate

Crime Victim Advocate

Commonwealth Attorney’s Office
Fayette County, Lexington Kentucky
Position type: Full-Time/ In person

Salary starts at $49,749 based on experience and education.

Purpose of Position

The Victim Advocate supports victims of crime and their families by providing trauma-informed direct advocacy within the criminal justice process and resource referrals. The position ensures compliance with the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights under Kentucky law and nationally recognized victim assistance standards. Under KRS 15.760 and KRS 69.350 this position is formally recognized within the prosecutorial office and must complete required training and avoid engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

  • Meet with crime victims and their families to provide direct advocacy, information, and support.
  • Conduct assessments of victims’ needs and provide information and referrals to community-based services including counseling, medical care, domestic violence and sexual assault programs, and other victim service providers.
  • Provide victims with information about their rights under Kentucky law (including the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, KRS 421.500‑421.530 in conjunction with Kentucky State Constitution section 26A) and the criminal justice process.
  • Accompany victims to case meetings, court proceedings (hearings, trial, sentencing) and other justice system appointments when requested.
  • Coordinate and advocate on behalf of victims to ensure timely notifications of hearings, continuances, plea agreements, trial, and sentencing, in accordance with Marsy’s Law.
  • Provide assistance with victims’ registration on Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) automated notification system for offender status upon arrest and release.
  • Provide post-sentence information.
  • Assist victims in applying for Crime Victims Compensation.
  • Maintain case records, monitor victim status and follow-up to ensure needs are addressed and communication is maintained with prosecutor.
  • Participate in the development of policies and practices that promote victim-centered and trauma-informed responses.
  • Follow statutory training requirements and adhere to prohibitions on the practice of law or political activity per KRS 15.760 / KRS 69.350.
  • Agrees to complete training relative to the appropriate intervention with crime victims per KRS 15.570.

QUALIFICATIONS

An individual employed as a victim advocate shall be a person who by a combination of education, professional qualification, training, and experience is qualified to perform the duties of this position. The victim advocate shall be an individual at least eighteen (18) years of age, of good moral character, with at least two (2) years of experience working in the human services field or court system in a position requiring professional contact with children or adults, who has:

            1. Received a baccalaureate degree in social work, sociology, psychology, guidance and

                counseling, education, religion, criminal justice, or other human service field; or

            2. Received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, and, in addition to the

                experience required in this subsection, has at least four (4) years’ experience working

                in the human services field or court system

Send a resume and cover letter to Christie Coffman at ccoffman@prosecutors.ky.gov