Victim Advocate II

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office upholds Alameda County as a safe and livable community through the fair and effective administration of justice; compassionate and committed support of crime victims; innovative programs that provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration; and programs designed to enhance the lives of vulnerable populations, children and youth for a bright, healthy future. Read more about our mandated services.

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office is comprised of approximately 150 attorneys, 60 inspectors, 30 Victim-Witness advocates and claim specialists, as well as a variety of administrative, finance, and communications professionals. Our jurisdiction covers over 800 square miles and our staff work in 9 offices located throughout the County.

We have six specialized divisions within the office:

§ Criminal Prosecution

§ Juvenile Justice

§ Consumer, Environmental and Worker Protection

§ DA Inspectors

§ Victim-Witness Assistance

§ Alameda County Family Justice Center

THE POSITION
There is an immediate position available for a Victim Advocate II. The candidate selected will be assigned to assist victims of crime and their families as required under California Penal Code 13835.5.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Advocate will work with the victims and/or their families by addressing their social and psychological needs as they participate in the prosecution of their cases. The Advocate will assist victims of all types of crime in completing and filing a California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) application, answer questions regarding the CalVCP application process and provide referrals for services in the community.

The Advocate will provide the following services: crisis intervention, emergency assistance, direct counseling, resource and referral counseling to community agencies, court support, criminal justice system orientation, public presentations and trainings, and case status and disposition notification. The Advocate will also provide assistance in submitting a victim impact statement and request for direct restitution to the court.

The position requires that the Advocate perform these services through field visits to the victim's home, or other locations as requested by the victim, as well as branch offices of the District Attorney's Office located throughout Alameda County.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in behavioral science, criminal justice, or related curricula, or in a field relevant to working with victims of domestic violence and their children, victims of sexual assault, victims of child abuse and exploitation, victims of elder abuse and human trafficking.
• Work experience in the field of victim services involving the provision of victim services, peer counseling, or equivalent social service skills.
• Valid CA drivers license

Additional Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with individuals and groups; public, private, and governmental agencies, particularly criminal justice agencies.
• Ability to communicate and deal effectively with individuals and groups in stressful situations.
• Ability to work effectively under conditions of limited supervision, high stress, and rapidly changing situations and circumstances.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural/ethnic diversity of the service populations and to be sensitive to the needs of special population; e.g. differently abled, young children, elderly, etc.
• Possess interpersonal, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to pass a background investigation intended to identify factors which may limit effective job performance and other areas consistent with office policy and practice.
• Possess the skill to successfully complete a required minimum 40 hours of entry level training.

Other Qualifications desirable in a candidate:

• Bilingual, oral and written skills
• 40-60 hour Certificate of Training from a Domestic Violence or Rape Crisis Program
• Possession of a California Certified Entry-Level State-certified victim advocate certificate

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being. These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

· Medical – HMO & PPO Plans

· Dental – HMO & PPO Plans

· Vision or Vision Reimbursement

· Share the Savings

· Basic Life Insurance

· Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)

· Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

· County Allowance Credit

· Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance

· Short-Term Disability Insurance

· Long-Term Disability Insurance

· Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services

· Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

· Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)

· Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

· 11 paid holidays

· Floating Holidays

· Vacation and sick leave accrual

· Vacation purchase program

· Management Paid Leave**

· Catastrophic Sick Leave

· Group Auto/Home Insurance

· Pet Insurance

· Commuter Benefits Program

· Guaranteed Ride Home

· Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)

· Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)

· Child Care Resources

· 1^st United Services Credit Union

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement. This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.