Victim Witness Program Assistant II Job Santa Maria area,California USA,Social Work

Victim Witness Program Assistant II

We are accepting applications to fill a Victim Witness Program Assistant II vacancy in the District Attorney's Office for the County of Santa Barbara. The current vacancy is in Santa Maria. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is preferred for this vacancy. We are accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in multiple locations within the County of Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, etc.)

for full-time and part-time positions. Please make sure you select which location(s) you are willing to accept current and future employment on your application.

The mission of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office is to pursue truth and justice by employing the highest ethical standards in vigorously prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, and preventing crime. The District Attorney has offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. The Office embodies a team approach to fighting crime, wherein Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators, Victim Witness staff, and support staff work closely together at all stages of a case.

The Office is also dedicated to ongoing training and skill development, as well as fostering the development of new technologies to fight crime and achieve justice. Specialized prosecution units exist for areas of great concern to the County including gangs, vulnerable victims, and white-collar crime.

The District Attorney's Office Victim-Witness Assistance Program provides advocacy and support to victims of crime to make the criminal justice system more accessible by providing comprehensive advocacy and support. The goal is to assist victims overcome physical financial and emotional trauma experienced as a result of the crime. The division provides comprehensive services and develops and conducts training for service agencies, community-based programs and criminal justice personnel.

The Victim Services staff works in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other victim service providers. Under general direction of the Victim Witness Program Assistant Director provides management oversight of the Victim Witness regional operations and unit supervisors. Under general supervision, the Victim Witness Program Assistant II, assists victims of crimes by providing information, support, referral, and advocacy services; assists in completing victim compensation claims;

and performs related duties as required.

The Ideal Candidate will Possess:

Experience in a social services program providing case management to individuals in crisis including interviewing, counseling, or referring others to community resources
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to successfully work with diverse populations, law enforcement, and stakeholders in the criminal justice system
Ability to handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure, and adapt to change
Ability to respond supportively to the needs of victims and witnesses in complex cases
Willingness to work nontraditional hours, and to be on-call when required
Ability to be a self-starter with demonstrated initiative
Excellent customer service skills and experience working with the public
Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines
Knowledge of the criminal justice system
Public speaking skills

Examples of Duties:

Interviews and provides crisis and resource referral counseling for crime victims, their families, and witnesses before and during court process; assesses clients' needs for medical, psychological, legal, financial, shelter, or employment services; provides victims with information on shelters, temporary restraining orders, and availability of counseling or other social services; advocates for victims, ensuring that client needs are addressed within the community and criminal justice systems.

Provides clients with an explanation of court process, potential dispositions, education and training regarding the criminal justice system.

Transports, escorts, and supports victims during court appearances.

Prepares applications for victim compensation by obtaining necessary information and documents completing and submitting forms to the State Victim's Compensation Program.

Initiates and maintains computerized case files to document case activities.

Confers with attorneys and law enforcement on the issues affecting a victim's ability and willingness to cooperate with the investigation and prosecution or other pertinent issues.

Conducts outreach presentations on victimization with emphasis on prevention; supervises volunteers assigned to the program; promotes the program by preparing written articles and public service announcements, as well as speaking before and participating in community agencies.

Handles complicated cases including felonies, and cases with long proceedings, multiple victims/witnesses, and more complex legal steps.

Employment Standards:

In order to be…