Victim/Witness Advocate Job San Francisco area,California USA,Social Work

Position: Victim/Witness Advocate - 8129

The Victim Services Division is seeking qualified applicants for positions in the 8129 Victim Witness Investigator I job classification, functional title Victim/Witness Advocate. The Victim/Witness Advocate role is an in office, administrative role that involves working to support victims of crime dealing with crisis in the aftermath of a crime. While Advocates support victims, witnesses, and survivors during challenging circumstances, the role does not include providing clinical services, therapeutic counseling, or long‑term social‑work intervention.

Instead, Advocates coordinate legally mandated services under the Victim‑Witness Assistance Program, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 13835 and the Victims’ Bill of Rights.

Examples of job duties and responsibilities for all vacancies include but are not limited to:

Advise and assist program participants in obtaining appropriate services, and refer them to professional psychological, health, medical, and social service care providers.

Provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance to ensure timely and comprehensive responses to the immediate and long‑term needs of crime victims and survivors.

Explain crime victims’ rights, the criminal justice system, and court proceedings, and provide information on case status and disposition.

Assist in the preparation, verification, and submission of claims to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, and monitor claim progress and payment.

Assist with arranging transportation for crime victims and survivors when appropriate.

Conduct educational program presentations to City departments, community based partners, and residents in their communities.

Provide translation services, orally or in written form, as required to meet division needs.

Accompany crime victims and survivors to court proceedings and related hearings as needed.

Become educated in and competently explain diversion, restorative justice practices, collaborative courts, and the importance of evidence based approaches within the criminal justice system.

Actively participate in referrals to community based organizations and guide crime victims and survivors through the criminal justice process with the goal of promoting healing and recovery from trauma.

Understand best practices in preparing victim impact statements and assist crime victims and survivors in crafting these statements to effectively communicate the impact of the offense to the court, including supporting opportunities for meaningful reconciliation when appropriate.

Serve as a liaison between the department and members of the community when required.

* Please Note:

Placement will be based on prior experience, certification, and team assignment rotations may occur on occasion based on business operational needs and remain at the discretion of VSD leadership.

Requires a minimum of one (1) year of training, education, and/or experience in social welfare, behavioral science, criminology, or a closely related field and responsible social service, criminal justice or advocacy experience.

Note:

One year of full‑time employment is equivalent to 2000 hours. (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40‑hour work week.)
Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.

Desired qualifications

B.A. or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or closely related field, or equivalent experience.

Training in domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, crisis response, 40‑hour Entry Level Advocate, 24‑hour Advanced Advocate and/or Mandated Reporter certifications.

Desired Experience and Knowledge
Strong understanding of trauma recovery, victim advocacy, mental health services, the criminal justice system, court processes, and public safety. Familiarity with San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods and their community based programs. Experience collaborating across government agencies and facilitating multi‑agency processes. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work…

Victim​/Witness Advocate

Victim/Witness Advocate