Job Details

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Appointment Type: Permanent-Exempt (PEX) Appointment. Pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Charter, Section 10.104.13, any person occupying a position under exempt appointment shall not be subject to civil service selection, appointment, and removal procedures. Exempt employees shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing officer.

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office is one of the premier law enforcement organizations in the United States. Our mission is to collaborate with the City's diverse communities and law enforcement agencies to make San Francisco one of the safest cities in America. Our office engages in public education and crime prevention efforts while maintaining the traditional role of investigating, charging, and prosecuting all criminal violations occurring within the City and County of San Francisco.

The Victim Services Division (VSD) of the San Francisco District Attorney's Office strives to make the criminal justice system humane and accessible by providing support and assistance to victims and their families in the aftermath of a crime, during criminal prosecution, and after a verdict has been reached.

The Victim/Witness Advocate position is responsible for assisting victims of crime by providing the mandated services for the Victim-Witness Assistance Program, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 13835 and the Victims' Bill of Rights. These services include advising participants of program services and outreach activities; referring program participants to professional care providers; explaining the process of the criminal justice system; accompanying victims, family members, and witnesses to court and related hearings; and assisting participants with Victim Compensation Program applications.

Examples of job duties and responsibilities for all vacancies include but are not limited to:

1. Advise and assist program participants in obtaining appropriate services, and refer to professional psychological, health, medical, and social service care providers.
2. Provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance to deliver timely and comprehensive responses to the immediate and long-term needs of crime victims and survivors.
3. Explain crime victims' rights, the criminal justice system, and court proceedings, and provide information on case status and disposition.
4. Assist in the preparation, verification, and submission of claims to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, and monitor claim progress and payment.
5. Assist with the arrangement of transportation for crime victims and survivors when appropriate.
6. Conduct program educational presentations to city and community-based partners, and city residents in their communities.
7. Translate as required to meet division needs.
8. May accompany crime victims and survivors to court proceedings and related hearings.
9. Become educated in and competently explain to crime victims and survivors the purpose of diversion, restorative justice, and the importance of using evidence-based solutions in the criminal justice system.
10. Actively participate in referrals to community-based organizations and guide crime victims and survivors through the criminal justice process.
11. Understand best practices in crafting impact statements and assist crime victims and survivors with said impact statements.
12. May 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 their respective community-based programs; experience collaborating across government agencies; strong independent initiative; and capacity to operate flexibly in a rapid pace environment.

Ability to speak Spanish or Cantonese strongly desired.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

1. Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (training will be provided).
2. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
3. Principles and practices of record keeping/documenting work.
4. Identify and be responsive to other needs of crime victims and survivors.
5. Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a collaborative environment.
6. Exhibit emotional stability under conditions of high stress and handle sensitive situations discreetly.
7. Strong written and verbal skills used to communicate effectively with people of various backgrounds.
8. Demonstrate and maintain a high degree of initiative, maturity, integrity, accountability, and good judgment.
9. Background in working with communities impacted by violence.

What else should I know?

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

As part of the application package, applicants should submit a cover letter summarizing their qualifications in addition to a current resume.

The selection process will include an evaluation of applicants in relation to minimum requirements. Depending on the number of applicants, the Department may establish additional screening mechanisms to evaluate candidates.

Applicants for consideration for hire 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.

Salary: $83,018 - $100,932 annually

This job announcement will remain open until positions are filled.