Restitution Advocate

SUMMARY: Responsible for assisting the District Attorney’s office, Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation and the Courts in providing restitution determination services for victims in compliance with the Crime Victim’s Act and any related sentencing statutes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate with the Victim Notification Advocate to identify all victims who may be eligible for restitution when their case is opened in the District Attorney’s office. Assist Juvenile Probation Office in dual system cases, as appropriate.
• Send all eligible victims restitution request and victim impact forms as soon after the formal arraignment or in juvenile cases, the intake, as practical.
• Notify victims of the availability of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Crime Victim Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) verbally and in writing.
• Notify victims, in writing and in person, of the availability of other services as well as the confidentiality policy at the Crime Victim Center.
• Document and track the sending and receipt of completed restitution request forms and victim impact statements and all other activities, including all verbal and written victim contacts.
• Verify restitution figures with medical bills, estimates, receipts, payroll records, current market value, invoices, and other documentation to insure accurate values will be presented to the District Attorney, Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation and the sentencing or dispositional Court.
• Provide hotline/on-call services as assigned.
• Follow-up with and attempt to locate, if necessary, eligible victims who do not respond to restitution request forms and victim impact statements.
• Provide completed restitution request forms and victim impact statements to the District Attorney, Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation and sentencing or dispositional Court.
• Provide restitution documentation for VCAP and insurance companies and insure that their statutory rights are protected when restitution figures are provided to the District Attorney, Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation and the sentencing or dispositional
• Refer victims to appropriate agencies for additional assistance and to coordinate services.
• Prepare victims and witnesses for criminal and juvenile justice proceedings and provide accompaniment when necessary.
• Provide victims with verbal and written information regarding the collection and dispersal of restitution by the Adult Probation Office, Juvenile Probation Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
• Assist Program Director in implementation of new legislation regarding restitution, VCAP, and updating restitution services.
• Maintain a data base of cases with restitution information.
• Participate in conferences, in-services, training, seminars, team and staff meetings.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with client, co-workers, other agencies and general public.
• React productively to change and handle other tasks as assigned.
• Ensure all assigned data is submitted into ETO by assigned due date each month, ensuring documentation in accurate.

SPECIALS REQUIREMENTS:

• Some flexibility in hours of work.
• Able to drive and travel. Provide copy of valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Act 33 and 34 Clearances, FBI background check and fingerprint clearance.
• Successful completion of minimum of seventy hours training in victimization issues.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. safely and easily.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services related field.
• Proficient in computer programs currently in use in the agency.
• Able to withstand emotional stress.
• Flexible, able to tolerate many situations and personalities.
• Able to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Able to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, memos.
• Able to write simple correspondence.
• Able to effectively present information and respond to questions one-on-one and in small groups.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry-out written and oral instructions and solve problems.
• Able to organize personal area and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Possess auditory acuity to listen to people over the telephone and in person.
• Possess visual acuity to read computer screen, correspondence, notes, reports, and technical documents.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the employer of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.