CARE INVESTIGATOR

Victim Advocate - 8129-Victim/Witness Investigator I
Appointment Type: Permanent-Exempt (PEX) Appointment.

Salary: $85,956 - $104,494 annually.

Position Description
The Victim/Witness Advocate provides mandated services for the Victim-Witness Assistance Program, including advising participants, referring to care providers, explaining the criminal justice process, accompanying victims to court, and assisting with compensation applications.

Advise and assist program participants in obtaining appropriate services, and refer to professional psychological, health, medical, and social service care providers.

Provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance to deliver timely responses to the immediate and long‑term needs of crime victims and survivors.

Explain crime victims’ rights, the criminal justice system, and court proceedings, and provide information on case status and disposition.

Assist in the preparation, verification, and submission of claims to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, and monitor claim progress and payment.

Assist with the arrangement of transportation for crime victims and survivors when appropriate.

Conduct program educational presentations to city and community‑based partners and city residents in their communities.

Translate as required to meet division needs; translating may be oral or in written form.

May accompany crime victims and survivors to court proceedings and related hearings.

Become educated in and competently explain to crime victims and survivors the purpose of diversion, restorative justice, various collaborative courts and the importance of using evidence‑based solutions in the criminal justice system.

Actively participate in referrals to community‑based organizations and guide crime victims and survivors in charged cases through the criminal justice process with the goal of helping them heal and recover from trauma.

Understand best practices in crafting impact statements and assist crime victims and survivors with said impact statements with the goal of communicating the impact of the offense to the court and, where appropriate, integrating meaningful opportunities for reconciliation.

Act as the liaison between the department and members of the community.

How to qualify
Requires a minimum of one (1) year of training, education, and/or experience in social welfare, behavioral science, criminology, or a closely related field and responsible social service, criminal justice or advocacy experience.

Desired qualifications

B.A. or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or closely related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience or in‑depth knowledge about trauma recovery, advocacy, mental health services, the criminal justice system, court process and public safety familiarity with San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods and community‑based programs, experience collaborating across government agencies and facilitating multi‑agency processes, strong independent initiative, capacity to operate flexibly in a rapid pace environment, and ability to manage a high case volume.

Background in crisis intervention techniques; trauma‑informed services.

Ability to speak Spanish or Cantonese strongly desired.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (training will be provided).

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Principles and practices of record keeping / documenting work.

Identify and be responsive to other needs of crime victims and survivors, including providing emergency assistance or referral to other agencies and care providers.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a collaborative environment.

Exhibit emotional stability under conditions of high stress, limited supervision, and rapidly changing situations and circumstances; handle sensitive situations and confidential matters discreetly and effectively.

Strong written and verbal skills used to communicate effectively with people of various educational, socio‑economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Demonstrate and maintain a high degree of initiative, maturity, integrity, accountability, and good judgment.

Background in working with communities impacted by violence.

What else should I know?
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Applicants will be required to complete a criminal background check. The District Attorney’s office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, people with disabilities, and members of racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities to apply.

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