Victim Witness Advocate - Time Limited

Position Information

The Sonoma County Office of the District Attorney is seeking an experienced and dedicated professional to join their Victim Services Division as a Victim Witness Advocate I. Starting salary up to $41.64/hour ( $86,907 /year) and a competitive total compensation package!
* The District Attorney's Office is currently recruiting to fill a Victim Witness Advocate I - Time-Limited position that is currently funded through March 31, 2027.

The Advocate will act as a liaison between the Deputy District Attorneys and crime victims to ensure their voice is heard and rights are upheld.

Responsibilities include:

• Acting as a liaison between Deputy District Attorneys and victims of crime.
• Providing daily contact with crime victims to offer court updates and referrals to community resources.
• Accompanying victims to court proceedings.
• Assisting with submission of California Victim Compensation Applications and compiling restitution documents.
• Managing an independent caseload.
• Advocating for victims of crime and individuals experiencing crisis situations.
• Prioritizing multiple assignments in a fast‑paced environment.
• Observing and listening to the needs of victims.
• Engaging with a diverse population, underserved communities, and immigrants.
• Representing the division at community events and outreach activities.

• Multiple years of professional experience working with victims of crime.
• Experience working with individuals who have sustained significant trauma and crisis situations.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse socio‑economic and/or cultural backgrounds.
• An understanding of cultural competence and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual skills in English/Spanish, English/Mandarin, English/Korean, English/Punjabi, English/Triki, or English/Polynesian are highly preferred, but not required.

This position requires completion of 40 hours of advocate training and a series of comprehensive trainings by a staff member, including shadowing. The role also requires attending outreach events and may involve weekends and after‑normal business hours.

• Hybrid Telework – a flexible schedule may be available depending on assignment.
• Salary Advancement – salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full time) for good performance; eligibility for an increase each subsequent year.
• Career Advancement – opportunity to advance to Victim Witness Advocate II ($38.94 - $47.33/hour).
• Paid Time Off – competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and 8 floating holiday hours per year.
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions – 100% premium contribution for most employee‑only and employee + family health plans.
• Post‑Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement – county contributions to help fund post‑retirement health insurance/benefits.
• Retirement – a pension fully integrated with Social Security.
• Paid Parental Leave – up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of county employment.
• Additional Benefits – excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more.
• Student Loan Debt Relief – eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.
• Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Experience: Two years of responsible public contact experience in law enforcement, supportive counseling, or similar work that involves knowledge of community social service resources. Experience dealing with the criminal justice process is highly desirable.

Education: Significant coursework in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, or a closely related field.

License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level, including any special endorsements required by the State of California.

Background requirements: incumbents must pass a criminal background investigation.

Knowledge of criminal justice laws and…