Victim Witness Advocate I (#RS6001)
$24.89-$30.25 Hourly / $4,313.74-$5,243.38 Monthly / $51,764.95-$62,920.62 Yearly

Under immediate supervision, learns to assist and advocate for victims and/or witnesses of crimes by performing crisis intervention, case management and counseling duties as part of the County Victim/Witness Assistance Program; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3, of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the entry-level class in the Victim/Witness Advocate series. Incumbents support the criminal justice activities of the District Attorney’s Office by learning to provide a variety of services to victims and/or witnesses of crimes. These include advocacy services such as crisis intervention, crime scene response, case management and counseling/guidance. As experience is gained, supervision becomes more general and employees may work with greater independence.

This class can be distinguished from the Victim/Witness Advocate II because the latter is a journey level class and incumbents perform the full range of advocacy functions under general supervision.

• Learns to provide on-site acute crisis needs assessment and intervention services to victims and/or witnesses of crimes through a 24-hour mobile crisis unit that responds to calls referred by law enforcement agencies; learns to assist on-site law enforcement personnel by encouraging victim/witness comprehension of and cooperation with the crime scene investigation process; learns to establish victim eligibility and provide for emergency assistance including food, clothing, transportation and shelter; learns to develop case plans for follow-up and management as appropriate.
• Learns to evaluate and respond to requests from victims and others for Program services; learns to establish eligibility and provide for non-emergency services such as medical expense reimbursement, loss recovery and security/preventive measures as allowed and required; learns to assist victims in applying for Program compensation as appropriate; learns to monitor victim cases and assure timely resolution of issues; works with Victim Claims Specialists as needed to help facilitate claims processing.
• Learns to act as a liaison between victims, law enforcement personnel, County agencies, attorneys, and others; learns to refer victims/witnesses to appropriate agencies for a broad range of services and resources, including medical or therapeutic treatment.
• Encourages and facilitates victim cooperation with the criminal justice process; helps arrange interviews between attorneys, victims, and witnesses; helps assure that transportation, lodging, and other witness expenses are met as appropriate; learns to provide orientation to victims and their families regarding court procedures; helps update victims and witnesses on the status of their case, provide procedural information regarding upcoming appearances, and provide other court support as appropriate; learns to assist victims in obtaining restraining orders, protective shelter, and community services.
• Learns to understand complex documents, including regulations and laws; maintains case files, program records, and progress notes; prepares reports, case summaries, letters and memoranda.
• Attends training programs; may participate on committees and task forces; may assist with presentations to law enforcement and other agencies regarding Program activities; may direct volunteers and interns in performing basic Program functions.

Education:  Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in psychology, social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement or a closely related field.

Note:  Individuals employed as a Victim Witness Advocate in San Joaquin County on the date that this class specification is adopted by the Civil Service Commission may waive the above education requirement.

License:  Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Basic principles of individual and group behavior; basic assessment, interviewing and counseling techniques; cultural and human relations; basic analytical and investigative principles, methods, and techniques; general community resource agencies, both public and private.

Learn and interpret complex laws and regulations; prepare accurate, clear and concise records, reports and other documents; reason logically and draw valid conclusions, both in routine and crisis situations; obtain information through personal interviews; use tact and good judgement in dealing with difficult situations and/or people; maintain effective working relations with a diverse group of people.

Mobility-Frequent standing, walking, keyboard operation, sitting and driving; occasional climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting; Lifting-Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds; Vision-Constant reading and close-up work requiring good overall vision; frequent eye/hand coordination, occasional color/depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity-Frequent holding, gripping and writing; occasional reaching and repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking-Constant hearing normal speech, talking in person and on the telephone; occasional hearing faint sounds; Emotional/Special Conditions-Constant public contact, decision making, and concentration; frequent exposure to trauma, grief and death, exposure to noise, emergency situations; occasional working weekends/nights/overtime and travel.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.