Victim Advocate

Victim Advocate

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027. This recruitment is for level I. FLSA:
Non-Exempt. Under close supervision (Victim Advocate I) or general supervision (Victim Advocate II), provides assistance and support to violent crime victims, their family members as appropriate, and witnesses of violent crime by providing information, support, referral and advocacy services; serves in a direct assistance/support capacity for violent crime victims; serves as a liaison for, and coordinates services with, and provides outreach presentations to internal staff and external organizations;

receives, reviews and processes a variety of documents relevant to assigned area of responsibility; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives close supervision (Victim Advocate I), or general supervision (Victim Advocate II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff, although Victim Advocate II may act as a lead, and/or provide training when appropriate.

This classification performs the full range of victim assistance and support duties as assigned, requiring knowledge of Marsy's Law, the California Office of Emergency Services Victim Witness Program, the California Victim Compensation Board Program, including policies, procedures, and/or operating details. Incumbents have technical, clerical and para-professional responsibilities in accordance with state, local, departmental and program guidelines.

Victim Advocate I:
This is the entry level in the Victim Advocate series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Victim Advocate II level and provide victim services in criminal cases and exercise some discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress.

Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained as they arise. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.

Victim Advocate II:
This is the journey-level class in the Victim Advocate series responsible for performing the full range of duties required of the classification. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Advocates at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Victim Advocate in that the later is regularly responsible for training employees and performing work as a lead.

Positions in the Victim Advocate class series are flexibly staffed. Positions at the II level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the Advocate is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications;

and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

Examples of typical job functions include receiving, reviewing and processing a diverse range of documents relevant to specific case; providing crisis intervention to victims to assist in reducing trauma and facilitate adjustment; performing outreach to identify victims eligible for assistance; assisting victims in the criminal justice system by offering information and updates about the criminal justice process, offering notification of criminal justice events, criminal advocacy and accompaniment to court appearances, assisting with property return, arranging interviews with law enforcement and attorney staff;

offering assistance with impact statements and restitution requests; facilitating communication with prosecutor and/or children and family services agencies as an advocate for the victim; providing referrals to various support organizations to assist victims in obtaining counseling, medical and dental care, protective services, mental health services, shelter, and related community services; explaining court procedures and terms, notifies victims of court events, arranges transportation to court when appropriate, provides court orientation, accompaniment, and criminal case status to victims;

assists victims or family members in attending Parole Hearings; aids crime victims in completing forms and applications including the California Victim Compensation application and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Form 1707 and submits to the appropriate state agency; provides educational presentations regarding the program and its service; when appropriate, serves as a liaison to, and coordinates services with, internal staff and external agencies or organizations including, but not limited to, the California Department of Corrections and…