Sonoma County Public Infrastructure
Victim Witness Advocate I
Sonoma County Public Infrastructure, Santa Rosa, California, us, 95402
Position Information
Become a Victim Witness Advocate I. Starting salary up to $41.64 hourly ($86,907 annually) and a competitive total compensation package!
The District Attorney's Office is recruiting to fill two Victim Witness Advocate positions. One position is an ongoing position at the Victim Witness Advocate I level and the other one is a time-limited position that is currently funded through March 31st, 2026 at the Victim Witness Advocate II level, depending on qualifications. If you are interested in applying at the level I, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for that level.
Responsibilities The District Attorney's Office is looking for a Victim Witness Advocate who will act as a liaison between the Deputy District Attorneys and the victims of crime to ensure their voice and rights are upheld. The Advocate will have daily contact with crime victims to provide regular court updates, refer them to community resources, and accompany them to court proceedings. The Victim Witness Advocate assists with general information helping the victim of a crime better understand the criminal justice process. In this role, you will assist with submission of California Victim Compensation Applications and compiling restitution documents.
Man aging an independent caseloads
Advocating for victims of crimes and individuals experiencing crisis situations
Prioritizing multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment
Observing and listening to the needs of the victim
Engaging with a diverse population
Rep resenting the division at community events and outreach activities
The Ideal Candidate Will Possess Many Of The Following
Multiple years of experience working with victims of crimes
Coursework in Social and Behavioral studies, Sociology, or Psychology
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 communications skills
Bilingual skills in (English/Spanish), is highly desired, but not required
Please note: This position requires completion of a 40-hour advocate training and a series of comprehensive trainings by a staff member which includes shadowing court procedures. This position also requires attending outreach events, and potentially working some weekends, and after normal business hours.
What We Offer Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Victim Witness Advocate II ($81,722 - 98,783/Annually)
Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
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 - May be eligible for 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 – County employees may be 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. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.
This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list.
Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Minimum Qualifications Experience: Experience that would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, two years of responsible public contact experience involving law enforcement, supportive counseling or similar work in a public or private agency that provided knowledge of community social service resources, would provide such opportunity. Experience dealing with the criminal justice process is highly desirable.
Education: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, significant coursework in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, or a closely related field, would provide such opportunity.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Background Requirements: Incumbents must pass a criminal background investigation.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Knowledge of the laws and procedures of criminal justice agencies as they affect the responsibilities and rights of victims and witnesses of crimes; personality development, group and family dynamics, human motivation and behavior patterns sufficient to gain rapport with hostile and uncooperative or traumatized individuals; rules of professional confidentiality concerning victim and advocate, as well as of attorney/client work product; psychological dynamics of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault; the principles, practices and techniques of interviewing; the needs, problems, attitudes and behavior patterns of emotionally vulnerable individuals; community resources available to victims and/or witnesses; child abuse reporting laws; domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse laws.
Ability to develop and maintain the confidence and cooperation of emotionally vulnerable individuals; establish and maintain effective working relationships with victims and/or witnesses and their families, departmental staff, law enforcement officers, attorneys and community agencies; effectively interview victims, families and other individuals to obtain information on a variety of complex and sensitive subjects; provide psychological and emotional support to reduce stress associated with being a victim or witness of crime; initiate and maintain computerized case files to document case activities; relate to a wide variety of individuals from different socio-economic, cultural and ethnic groups; analyze situations accurately and to take effective action; adjust to workload changes and meet deadlines under pressure; train and supervise volunteers and intern; speak in public before a variety of groups and organizations.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
How To Apply Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The District Attorney's Office is recruiting to fill two Victim Witness Advocate positions. One position is an ongoing position at the Victim Witness Advocate I level and the other one is a time-limited position that is currently funded through March 31st, 2026 at the Victim Witness Advocate II level, depending on qualifications. If you are interested in applying at the level I, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for that level.
Responsibilities The District Attorney's Office is looking for a Victim Witness Advocate who will act as a liaison between the Deputy District Attorneys and the victims of crime to ensure their voice and rights are upheld. The Advocate will have daily contact with crime victims to provide regular court updates, refer them to community resources, and accompany them to court proceedings. The Victim Witness Advocate assists with general information helping the victim of a crime better understand the criminal justice process. In this role, you will assist with submission of California Victim Compensation Applications and compiling restitution documents.
Man aging an independent caseloads
Advocating for victims of crimes and individuals experiencing crisis situations
Prioritizing multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment
Observing and listening to the needs of the victim
Engaging with a diverse population
Rep resenting the division at community events and outreach activities
The Ideal Candidate Will Possess Many Of The Following
Multiple years of experience working with victims of crimes
Coursework in Social and Behavioral studies, Sociology, or Psychology
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 communications skills
Bilingual skills in (English/Spanish), is highly desired, but not required
Please note: This position requires completion of a 40-hour advocate training and a series of comprehensive trainings by a staff member which includes shadowing court procedures. This position also requires attending outreach events, and potentially working some weekends, and after normal business hours.
What We Offer Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Victim Witness Advocate II ($81,722 - 98,783/Annually)
Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
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 - May be eligible for 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 – County employees may be 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. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.
This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list.
Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Minimum Qualifications Experience: Experience that would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, two years of responsible public contact experience involving law enforcement, supportive counseling or similar work in a public or private agency that provided knowledge of community social service resources, would provide such opportunity. Experience dealing with the criminal justice process is highly desirable.
Education: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, significant coursework in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, or a closely related field, would provide such opportunity.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Background Requirements: Incumbents must pass a criminal background investigation.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Knowledge of the laws and procedures of criminal justice agencies as they affect the responsibilities and rights of victims and witnesses of crimes; personality development, group and family dynamics, human motivation and behavior patterns sufficient to gain rapport with hostile and uncooperative or traumatized individuals; rules of professional confidentiality concerning victim and advocate, as well as of attorney/client work product; psychological dynamics of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault; the principles, practices and techniques of interviewing; the needs, problems, attitudes and behavior patterns of emotionally vulnerable individuals; community resources available to victims and/or witnesses; child abuse reporting laws; domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse laws.
Ability to develop and maintain the confidence and cooperation of emotionally vulnerable individuals; establish and maintain effective working relationships with victims and/or witnesses and their families, departmental staff, law enforcement officers, attorneys and community agencies; effectively interview victims, families and other individuals to obtain information on a variety of complex and sensitive subjects; provide psychological and emotional support to reduce stress associated with being a victim or witness of crime; initiate and maintain computerized case files to document case activities; relate to a wide variety of individuals from different socio-economic, cultural and ethnic groups; analyze situations accurately and to take effective action; adjust to workload changes and meet deadlines under pressure; train and supervise volunteers and intern; speak in public before a variety of groups and organizations.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
How To Apply Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
#J-18808-Ljbffr