Victim Advocate I​/II

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Victim Advocates provide a variety of services to victims of crime for the District Attorney’s Office. They are people oriented, attentive to detail, and work effectively with people experiencing trauma. The Victim Advocate works in conjunction with Deputy District Attorneys to assist victims of crime, their families and/or witnesses by providing mandated victim services, resources, and support. Incumbents conduct trauma‑informed interviews, assess needs, and manage a caseload.

The Victim Advocate provides information regarding the criminal justice system, victim rights, available services and court proceedings, processes victim compensation claims, provides referrals to social and legal resources, escorts victims to court and meetings with prosecutors and law enforcement, responds to crime scenes and other field locations to assist victims, and performs other duties as assigned.

To learn more about the District Attorney's Office, .

Victim Advocate I is the entry‑level class in this series. Incumbents work under close supervision while learning program rules, regulations, procedures, and forms. Responsibilities and breadth of knowledge increase with more years of experience.

Victim Advocate II is the journey‑level class in this series. Victim Advocate II is the experienced level classification. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties, including the assignment of more difficult or complex cases. Incumbents generally work under minimal supervision and exercise initiative and independent judgment in applying laws, rules, and regulations, and in analyzing and resolving a variety of non‑routine problems.

The work is performed with greater independence to prioritize work assignments, solve problems, and exercise judgment within a framework of established policies and procedures.

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Technical Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

The Victim Advocate may be assigned to work in a variety of assignments. Hours for the position may vary and include weekends. Incumbents may be subject to overtime, standby and on‑call or call‑back assignments.

Individuals who are in a full‑time classification position are required to serve a twelve‑month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at  under “Disability” tab.

• Conduct trauma‑informed interviews and assessments for victims of crime in the office and in non‑office settings, including crime scenes, hospitals, victims’ homes, law enforcement agencies or other organizations to assess victim’s emotional, social, and physical needs, interests, safety concerns and anticipated obstacles.
• Help identify services, coping skills and resources needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and trauma‑informed assistance to child and adult victims of crime and/or families of victims of crime suffering from trauma or complex trauma by asking good questions, listening to what they need, helping them understand the effects of trauma and empowering them to take the next best step.
• Assist victims in completing a variety of claim application documents to obtain financial assistance from the California Victim Compensation Board, such as reimbursement of medical/mental health expenses, lost income or wages, funeral/burial expenses and relocation costs and represent their claim to the state, providing ongoing assistance with bill submission and claim follow‑up.
• Provide consultation, information and education to victims, families, attorneys, community groups and agencies regarding victims’ rights, available services and the impact of trauma and crime victimization.
• Coordinate with Deputy District Attorneys and Investigators on the status of cases, needs of the victim, obstacles the victim may be facing and serve as a liaison between victims/families and Deputy District…