Stanislaus County
Role Overview
Victim Advocates provide a variety of services to victims of crime for the District Attorney’s Office. They are people oriented, attentive to detail, and work effectively with people experiencing trauma. The Victim Advocate works in conjunction with Deputy District Attorneys to assist victims of crime, their families and/or witnesses by providing mandated victim services, resources, and support. Incumbents conduct trauma‑informed interviews, assess needs, and manage a caseload. The Victim Advocate provides information regarding the criminal justice system, victim rights, available services and court proceedings, processes victim compensation claims, provides referrals to social and legal resources, escorts victims to court and meetings with prosecutors and law enforcement, responds to crime scenes and other field locations to assist victims, and performs other duties as assigned. Key Responsibilities
Conduct trauma‑informed interviews and assessments for victims of crime in the office and in non‑office settings, including crime scenes, hospitals, victims’ homes, law enforcement agencies or other organizations to assess victim’s emotional, social, and physical needs, interests, safety concerns and anticipated obstacles; Help identify services, coping skills and resources needed; Provide crisis intervention and trauma‑informed assistance to child and adult victims of crime and/or families of victims of crime suffering from trauma or complex trauma by asking good questions, listening to what they need, helping them understand the effects of trauma and empower them to take the next best step; Assist victims in completing a variety of claim application documents to obtain financial assistance from the California Victim Compensation Board, such as reimbursement of medical/mental health expenses, lost income or wages, funeral/burial expenses and relocation costs and represent their claim to the state, providing on‑going assistance with bill submittal and claim follow‑up; Provide consultation, information and education to victims, families, attorneys, community groups and agencies regarding victims’ rights, available services and the impact of trauma and crime victimization; Coordinate with Deputy District Attorneys and Investigators on the status of cases, needs of the victim, obstacles the victim may be facing and serve as a liaison between victims/families and Deputy District Attorneys or Investigators or law enforcement; Research, evaluate, recommend, and refer victims and/or families to a variety of programs and resources to address their needs; coordinate and/or facilitate placement of victims in programs or facilities and provide transportation, as needed; Interpret and explain regulations, rules, policies, and laws to victims of crime and/or their families and apprise them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for participation in programs; Provide mandatory services to victims of a variety of crime types and/or their families, obtaining and explaining information on a variety of complex and sensitive subjects; Organize caseload to ensure case records and documents are processed within specific time limits established by regulation and policy, as defined by the California Penal Code, California Office of Emergency Services, and Victims of Crime Act; Encourage and facilitate victim participation in the criminal justice process, including orientation to the criminal justice system, court procedures and updating victims/families on the status of the case and court appearances; providing emotional support, encouragement, and information to help victims/families navigate the criminal justice system, including, but not limited to, court escort; Contact victims of crime and/or their families by telephone, letter or in person to notify them of available services, victims’ rights, case status, changes in law impacting the case, board of parole hearings and other information impacting their rights as a victim of crime; Participate in community outreach efforts to raise awareness of victims’ rights and available services; assist with the development and implementation of events and presentations to honor victims of crime and raise awareness of victims’ rights; Participate in victim‑centered commissions, councils, and associations; Attend training programs, virtually and in person, to develop trauma‑informed, crime specific and culturally competent skills and knowledge; Assist with training presentations to law enforcement and other agencies regarding program services, the impact of crime victimization and trauma‑informed care; Document activities and services according to policy and compile information to assist with the preparation of reports to the Federal and State Government; Develop and maintain positive working relationships with a variety of organizations in the community to collaborate on effective solutions to meet the needs of victims of crime; Respond to the needs of crime victims at crime scenes, hospitals, and other locations as needed; and Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge
Laws concerning the rights and responsibilities of victims and witnesses of crimes; Rules of professional confidentiality concerning victim and advocate, as well as of attorney/client work product; Techniques for gaining rapport with and cooperation of emotional and reticent individuals who may be members of a variety of ethnic and socio‑economic groups; Interviewing principles and techniques; Criminal justice system in order to assist victims; Services and resources available to the public in Stanislaus County; Proper English construction and general communication skills; Governmental structure and operating procedure; Standard office practices and procedures; and Use of Microsoft Office software (i.e., Word, PowerPoint). Skills/Abilities
Handle a high volume of work amid interruptions; Interview and counsel effectively in a variety of crisis situations and settings; Correctly interpret rules and regulations regarding participation in Victim Witness Program to clients/public; Accurately gather, record and correctly evaluate data necessary for determination of eligibility based on knowledge of department and program rules; Elicit information from and give information to applicants in difficult circumstances involving emotional disturbance; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with public/private agencies, staff, the general public and law enforcement agencies; Organize information and insure its completeness and accuracy; Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing; and Assist victims/witnesses to court. Education & Experience
Pattern I – Victim Advocate I
Associate of Arts degree in Business, Public Administration, Human Services, Speech and Communications, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field; and One (1) year of experience working in crisis intervention, case management, criminal justice or social services. Pattern II – Victim Advocate II
Three (3) years of experience working in crisis intervention and/or case management in a criminal justice or social services setting. Pattern I – Victim Advocate II
Three (3) years of experience as a Victim Advocate I or equivalent classification. Pattern II – Victim Advocate II
Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, Public Administration, Human Services, Speech and Communications, Psychology, Criminal Justice or a closely related field; and Two (2) years of experience working in crisis intervention and/or case management in a criminal justice or social services setting. Special Requirements
Ability to pass a thorough background investigation, including fingerprinting. Certain positions may require the use of bilingual skills requiring demonstrated speaking, reading, and/or writing fluency in a foreign language. Desirable Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree; AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Two (2) years of experience working in crisis intervention and/or case management in a criminal justice or social services setting; OR One (1) year experience providing trauma‑informed assistance, emotional support and/or de‑escalating situations with victims of crime or clients in social services settings; OR Ability to speak and read in a second language other than English, in a proficient or fluent capacity; OR Six (6) months experience working for a government agency; OR Two (2) years' experience working with domestic violence victims; OR One (1) year experience working with crime victims and witnesses in the criminal justice environment. Application Process & Schedule
Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. Application Deadline:
January 26, 2026 at 5pm Oral Examination:
Week of February 2, 2026 Examination Process
Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on. Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position. Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts. Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months. General Information
Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre‑employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job‑related background investigation. Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions. Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGEV at 1-855-524-5627.
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Victim Advocates provide a variety of services to victims of crime for the District Attorney’s Office. They are people oriented, attentive to detail, and work effectively with people experiencing trauma. The Victim Advocate works in conjunction with Deputy District Attorneys to assist victims of crime, their families and/or witnesses by providing mandated victim services, resources, and support. Incumbents conduct trauma‑informed interviews, assess needs, and manage a caseload. The Victim Advocate provides information regarding the criminal justice system, victim rights, available services and court proceedings, processes victim compensation claims, provides referrals to social and legal resources, escorts victims to court and meetings with prosecutors and law enforcement, responds to crime scenes and other field locations to assist victims, and performs other duties as assigned. Key Responsibilities
Conduct trauma‑informed interviews and assessments for victims of crime in the office and in non‑office settings, including crime scenes, hospitals, victims’ homes, law enforcement agencies or other organizations to assess victim’s emotional, social, and physical needs, interests, safety concerns and anticipated obstacles; Help identify services, coping skills and resources needed; Provide crisis intervention and trauma‑informed assistance to child and adult victims of crime and/or families of victims of crime suffering from trauma or complex trauma by asking good questions, listening to what they need, helping them understand the effects of trauma and empower them to take the next best step; Assist victims in completing a variety of claim application documents to obtain financial assistance from the California Victim Compensation Board, such as reimbursement of medical/mental health expenses, lost income or wages, funeral/burial expenses and relocation costs and represent their claim to the state, providing on‑going assistance with bill submittal and claim follow‑up; Provide consultation, information and education to victims, families, attorneys, community groups and agencies regarding victims’ rights, available services and the impact of trauma and crime victimization; Coordinate with Deputy District Attorneys and Investigators on the status of cases, needs of the victim, obstacles the victim may be facing and serve as a liaison between victims/families and Deputy District Attorneys or Investigators or law enforcement; Research, evaluate, recommend, and refer victims and/or families to a variety of programs and resources to address their needs; coordinate and/or facilitate placement of victims in programs or facilities and provide transportation, as needed; Interpret and explain regulations, rules, policies, and laws to victims of crime and/or their families and apprise them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for participation in programs; Provide mandatory services to victims of a variety of crime types and/or their families, obtaining and explaining information on a variety of complex and sensitive subjects; Organize caseload to ensure case records and documents are processed within specific time limits established by regulation and policy, as defined by the California Penal Code, California Office of Emergency Services, and Victims of Crime Act; Encourage and facilitate victim participation in the criminal justice process, including orientation to the criminal justice system, court procedures and updating victims/families on the status of the case and court appearances; providing emotional support, encouragement, and information to help victims/families navigate the criminal justice system, including, but not limited to, court escort; Contact victims of crime and/or their families by telephone, letter or in person to notify them of available services, victims’ rights, case status, changes in law impacting the case, board of parole hearings and other information impacting their rights as a victim of crime; Participate in community outreach efforts to raise awareness of victims’ rights and available services; assist with the development and implementation of events and presentations to honor victims of crime and raise awareness of victims’ rights; Participate in victim‑centered commissions, councils, and associations; Attend training programs, virtually and in person, to develop trauma‑informed, crime specific and culturally competent skills and knowledge; Assist with training presentations to law enforcement and other agencies regarding program services, the impact of crime victimization and trauma‑informed care; Document activities and services according to policy and compile information to assist with the preparation of reports to the Federal and State Government; Develop and maintain positive working relationships with a variety of organizations in the community to collaborate on effective solutions to meet the needs of victims of crime; Respond to the needs of crime victims at crime scenes, hospitals, and other locations as needed; and Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge
Laws concerning the rights and responsibilities of victims and witnesses of crimes; Rules of professional confidentiality concerning victim and advocate, as well as of attorney/client work product; Techniques for gaining rapport with and cooperation of emotional and reticent individuals who may be members of a variety of ethnic and socio‑economic groups; Interviewing principles and techniques; Criminal justice system in order to assist victims; Services and resources available to the public in Stanislaus County; Proper English construction and general communication skills; Governmental structure and operating procedure; Standard office practices and procedures; and Use of Microsoft Office software (i.e., Word, PowerPoint). Skills/Abilities
Handle a high volume of work amid interruptions; Interview and counsel effectively in a variety of crisis situations and settings; Correctly interpret rules and regulations regarding participation in Victim Witness Program to clients/public; Accurately gather, record and correctly evaluate data necessary for determination of eligibility based on knowledge of department and program rules; Elicit information from and give information to applicants in difficult circumstances involving emotional disturbance; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with public/private agencies, staff, the general public and law enforcement agencies; Organize information and insure its completeness and accuracy; Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing; and Assist victims/witnesses to court. Education & Experience
Pattern I – Victim Advocate I
Associate of Arts degree in Business, Public Administration, Human Services, Speech and Communications, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field; and One (1) year of experience working in crisis intervention, case management, criminal justice or social services. Pattern II – Victim Advocate II
Three (3) years of experience working in crisis intervention and/or case management in a criminal justice or social services setting. Pattern I – Victim Advocate II
Three (3) years of experience as a Victim Advocate I or equivalent classification. Pattern II – Victim Advocate II
Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, Public Administration, Human Services, Speech and Communications, Psychology, Criminal Justice or a closely related field; and Two (2) years of experience working in crisis intervention and/or case management in a criminal justice or social services setting. Special Requirements
Ability to pass a thorough background investigation, including fingerprinting. Certain positions may require the use of bilingual skills requiring demonstrated speaking, reading, and/or writing fluency in a foreign language. Desirable Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree; AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Two (2) years of experience working in crisis intervention and/or case management in a criminal justice or social services setting; OR One (1) year experience providing trauma‑informed assistance, emotional support and/or de‑escalating situations with victims of crime or clients in social services settings; OR Ability to speak and read in a second language other than English, in a proficient or fluent capacity; OR Six (6) months experience working for a government agency; OR Two (2) years' experience working with domestic violence victims; OR One (1) year experience working with crime victims and witnesses in the criminal justice environment. Application Process & Schedule
Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. Application Deadline:
January 26, 2026 at 5pm Oral Examination:
Week of February 2, 2026 Examination Process
Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on. Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position. Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts. Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months. General Information
Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre‑employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job‑related background investigation. Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions. Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGEV at 1-855-524-5627.
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