Alicia Phillips
Bordentown,NJ
Summary
Accomplished Victim Witness Coordinator with a proven track record at Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, adept in victim advocacy and managing VOCA and VAWA grants. Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills and multicultural sensitivity, significantly enhancing program effectiveness and community engagement. Expert in leveraging teamwork and collaboration to achieve goals, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for crime victims and their families.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Victim Witness Coordinator
Mercer County Prosecutor's Office
12.2024 - Current
- Plans and directs the operations of the Victim Witness program.
- Evaluates program effectiveness regularly, implementing improvements to better serve victims' needs.
- Provides leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Conducts periodic performance evaluation of victim witness advocates and support staff.
- Assists in writing and managing VOCA and VAWA grants, including creating and overseeing budgets to align with project needs and goals.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, policies, and procedures related to victim/witness services, ensuring compliance and accurate information dissemination.
- Collaborates with law enforcement agencies to ensure seamless coordination during investigations and court proceedings.
- Implements proactive measures to prevent secondary victimization during interactions with law enforcement or court personnel.
- Provides information to staff on on trauma-informed approaches.
- Works with diverse populations in both urban and suburban environments.
- Participates in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Serves as a liaison between victims and various service providers, streamlining processes for improved outcomes.
- Builds relationships with community counseling organizations facilitating access to counseling services for crime victims and their families.
- Instructor at the Mercer County Police Academy (Course: "Victim Witness Assistance Program").
Supervising Victim Witness Advocate
Mercer County Prosecutor's Office
09.2018 - 12.2024
- Supervised staff providing services to crime victims, witness and their families.
- Worked effectively with fellow advocates to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.
- Managed complex caseloads with diligence, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely resolution of cases.
- Aided victims in understanding and navigating the criminal justice process.
- Assisted with writing VOCA and VAWA grants, including annual and quarterly reports.
- Managed own caseload within the Special Victim's Unit, to include human trafficking cases.
- Assisted victims with application to Victims of Crime Compensation Office.
- Instructed new staff on use of systems, including Promis Gavel, Infoshare, FACTS and eCourts.
Victim Witness Advocate
Mercer County Prosecutor's Office
10.2001 - 09.2018
- Advocate for victims and families of major crimes including homicide, domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Orientated victims and witnesses to the criminal justice system.
- Provided case status information to victims.
- Accompanied victims, witnesses and/or their families to court hearings.
- Evaluated the needs of victims and offered appropriate social service referrals.
- Acted as a liaison between assistant prosecutors, victims and detectives.
- Assist victims with victim impact statements and restitution requests.
- Facilitated emergent relocations for victims and witnesses due to safety concerns.
- Managed caseloads efficiently by maintaining accurate records and completing documentation requirements.
Community Education Specialist
Mercer County Office of Mental Health
06.2001 - 10.2002
- Provided Adolescent Suicide Prevention Trainings to the Mercer County professional community.
- Assisted in developing educational materials.
- Developed community education programming events designed to increase and improve awareness of suicide prevention.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Sciences
York College of Pennsylvania
York, PA05-2002
Skills
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Written and verbal communication
- Victim advocacy
- Confidentiality practices
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
Certification
Crisis Response Team (NOVA), 2006
Currently working toward "Trauma-Competent Professional" certification through Lakeview Global Institute
Timeline
Victim Witness Coordinator
Mercer County Prosecutor's Office
12.2024 - Current
Supervising Victim Witness Advocate
Mercer County Prosecutor's Office
09.2018 - 12.2024
Victim Witness Advocate
Mercer County Prosecutor's Office
10.2001 - 09.2018
Community Education Specialist
Mercer County Office of Mental Health
06.2001 - 10.2002
Crisis Response Team (NOVA), 2006
Currently working toward "Trauma-Competent Professional" certification through Lakeview Global Institute
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Sciences
York College of Pennsylvania
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