Victim Witness Advocate I

**Approximate Salary**
- $4,147.83 - $5,041.71/month

**Opening Date**
- 4/22/2024 08:00:00 AM

**Closing Date**
- Continuous

**Employment Type**
- Full-Time**Analyst**
- Mayra Nunez

**Introduction**:

- **_This position is represented by the SEIU bargaining unit and will receive salary increases t_**_hrough July 2025:_**

**_Effective July 2024 - 4% Cost of Living Adjustment increase_**

**_Effective July 2025 - 3% Cost of Living Adjustment increase_**

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This recruitment is being conducted to fill full-time **Victim Witness Advocate I **opportunities in the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office and to establish an eligible list which may be used to fill future vacancies.
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**The department may utilize the established list to fill bilingual (English/Spanish) positions in addition to non-bilingual positions. Please identify Spanish proficiency in the Supplemental Questionnaire.**
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**Victim Witness Advocate I** is the entry-level class in the Victim/ Witness Advocate series. Incumbents learn 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. **Incumbents in this position **must be available to work rotating day, night, and weekend shifts. Incumbents receive shift differential pay for applicable p.m., night, and/or weekend shifts.**
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**Pre-Employment Drug Screening and Background**: Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and a background investigation as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has passed the drug screen and successfully completed the background process. The County pays for the initial drug screen.
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- **New Hire Retention Bonus**:

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**$2,000** upon completion of first year equivalent employment (2,080 hours)
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**$1,000** upon completion of third year equivalent employment (6,240 hours)
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**$3,000** upon completion of sixth year equivalent employment (12,480 hours)
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**TYPICAL DUTIES**:
- 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 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.**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**:
**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.

**KNOWLEDGE**:
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.

**ABILITY**:
Learn and interpret complex laws and regulations; prepare accurate, clear and concise records, reports and other documents; reason logically and draw valid conclusions, b