Claudia Fuentes
Crescent City,CA
Summary
Dedicated Victim Advocate with over 6 years of experience providing support to victims of various crimes, guiding them through the complex criminal justice system, and empowering them to reclaim their sense of control. Passionate about advocating for the rights and needs of victims, committed to ensuring that each individual receives the support and resources necessary to move forward from their traumatic experiences. Skilled in building strong relationships with clients, collaborating with law enforcement and legal professionals, and advocating for policy changes to improve victim services. Adept at providing emotional support, crisis intervention, and practical assistance to help victims rebuild their lives with resilience and strength.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Del Norte County District Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness Program
06.2024 - Current
- Successfully applied for the 2024/25 CalOES Victim Witness Assistance Program grant
- Manage the CalOES Victim Witness Assistance Program $286,000 grant project for fiscal year 2024/25
- Enter performance measurement data every quarter into the Office of Victims of Crime platform
- Run victim service statistical reports using Prosecutor by Karpel management software
- Complete two CalOES progress reports per fiscal year
- Manage
VICTIM WITNESS ADVOCATE
Del Norte County District Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness Program
09.2020 - 06.2024
- Read numerous law enforcement reports
- Prepare criminal protective orders for victims and/or witnesses in criminal cases
- Provide notification to victims of the criminal charges filed against the defendant/s
- Inform victims of Marsy’s Law
- Obtain the victims’ most current phone number and mailing address
- Mail out victim notification letters, along with Marsy’s Law pamphlets, copies of CPOs
- Provide judicial system orientation
- Keep victims updated on their case status by providing a call, text, or email after every court proceeding
- Write detailed notes in Karpel after every victim interaction
- Enter the services provided to victims in Karpel for statistical tracking
- Inquire about restitution and upload provided receipts, bills, and estimates into Karpel
- Answer phone calls and attend to the people who come to the counter
- Assess the needs of victims/witnesses and provide them with the appropriate services/referrals
- Provide assistance in filling out and submitting California Victim Compensation Board claims
- Serve as a court escort and provide courtroom accompaniment for victims
- Provide transportation for victims to and from court, and/or to other local victim service agencies
- Build rapport with victims/victim families and provide support
- Serve as a liaison between victims and attorneys
- Attend phone calls between the assigned attorney and the victim for discussions on potential plea offers
- Read Victim Impact Statements to the Court, per request
- Translate for Spanish-speaking victims
- Attend monthly Sexual Assault Response Team meetings with other community agencies
- Created the Victim Witness Program brochures in English and Spanish
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Spanish
University of California, Davis
Skills
- Demonstrate a high level of initiative
- Ability to establish rapport with victims
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Quality of work is consistently effective
- Make a substantial contribution to the continued operation and growth of the program
- Establish effective working relationships
- Show eagerness and capacity to learn
- Highly motivated to achieve individual attainment
- Seek personal growth and development
- Meticulous with detail
- Program management
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Del Norte County District Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness Program
06.2024 - Current
VICTIM WITNESS ADVOCATE
Del Norte County District Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness Program
09.2020 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Spanish
University of California, Davis
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