Albany County Attorney's Office Victim Witness Program

The Victim Witness Program, under the Albany County & Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, accepts externs and volunteers from a number of backgrounds and degree programs to assist with victim contact, expand on their knowledge of the criminal justice system, and clarify their desired career path. Volunteers are required as part of the program's grant funding, but they are also an integral part of the constant contact that our victim witness coordinators make with victims and witnesses of crime. The Victim Witness Program received the 2017 Internship Appreciation Award from the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Wyoming.

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Mission: Provide all victims with an understanding of the criminal justice system, their rights as victims and to ensure all victims have consistent treatment and equal access to competent services.

Extern/Volunteer Job Description

General responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Contact individuals regarding court dates
• Document services provided
• Perform clerical work, including answering telephone, photocopying, and filing documents
• Work cases from start to finish
• Attend court hearings

Minimum Requirements:

• Complete a 40-hour advocacy training that includes:
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
  • Special Population
  • Child Abuse
  • Overview of the Criminal Justice System
  • Legal Advocacy
  • Victim/Witness Assistance
  • Overview of Victimology
  • Victim’s Compensation
  • Victim’s Bill of Rights
  • Case Management
  • Homicide and Death Notification
  • Restorative Justice
  • The Community Network System
• Pass background checks through the Division of Criminal Investigation and the child abuse registry for the Department of Family Services
• Sign a statement of confidentiality
• Complete online civil rights training and victim’s compensation training
• Spend at least 120 hours in-office during their term. Preference will be given to those able to spend 240 hours in-office. These hours include the 40-hour training.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Must be a self-starter, have strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills, when dealing with citizens, attorneys, law enforcement agencies and other employees; must possess the ability to establish good rapport with individuals, often under difficult circumstances. Work independently to complete required intake assignments in a timely and organized manner. Complete all assigned tasks accurately and precisely. Attend work as scheduled and/or required.