Victim​/Witness Advocate

The County of Siskiyou is an Affi…? We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry.

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, County website.

Under supervision, to provide a variety of services to victims and witnesses of crimes in accordance with the Victim/Witness Program in the County District Attorney's Office; to learn to interview victims and witnesses, assessing needs and making referrals; to assist with the development of community resources for victim/witness assistance; to represent the Victim/Witness Program with community organizations and agencies; and to do related work as required.

This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

This is the entry and first working level in the Victim/Witness Advocate class series. Incumbents learn and perform a variety of basic victim/witness and program support services for the Victim/Witness Program. This class is distinguished from the Victim/Witness Advocate II in that incumbents perform a lesser scope of assignments which do not require the same level of knowledge of the Victim/Witness Program.

When an incumbent becomes familiar with department and the Victim/Witness Program policies and demonstrates good sustained work performance, he or she may be promoted to the Victim/Witness Advocate II level.

District Attorney Administrator - Criminal Division

This is not a supervisory class.

Learns to interview victims and witnesses of crimes, advising them of restitution rights and the availability of services; learns to assess client's needs and make referrals to appropriate community resources and organizations; keeps program clients aware of the status and disposition of cases; provides transportation for persons unable to get to court; explains program procedures, policies, and services; learns to work with community organizations to develop resources and appropriate referral services for victims and witnesses;

learns to make presentations as necessary; maintains liaison with law enforcement agencies; may provide some basic counseling and crisis intervention support for Program clients; maintains program records and enters data into a computer system; performs a variety of Victim/Witness Program administrative and support functions.

• Basic knowledge of rules and regulations governing victim/witness services and programs.
• Basic knowledge of the functions of public law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.
• Interviewing and record keeping techniques.

• Learn to provide a variety of client and program support services for the Victim/Witness Program.
• Learn to interview people, identify needs, and make appropriate referrals.
• Learn to analyze and interpret laws and regulations related to victim/witness services.
• Gather, organize, analyze, and present a varietyofdata and information.
• Prepare, clear, concise and accurate records and reports.
• Communicate with others from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds..
• Elicit factual information from applicants and recipients in difficult circumstances of deprivation or emotional disturbance.
• Assist with development of community referral resources for the Victim/Witness Program.
• Learn to effectively represent the Victim/Witness Program in contacts with service providers, the public, community organizations, and other government agencies.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

• Previous responsible work experience in a social service/public assistance, criminal justice, or law enforcement agency.
• Advanced training in social or behavioral science, criminology, or public administration is desirable.

Possession of a valid and appropriate driver's license and reliable transportation.

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX; and operate a motor vehicle.