Job Details

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Overview

Using a regularly scheduled 5‑day, 37.5‑hour work week, the City Attorney's Office is seeking a dedicated Victim Services Advocate to serve as the City's primary point of contact for victims and witnesses involved in criminal cases. This full‑time role will lead victim advocacy efforts citywide, providing compassionate, trauma‑informed support, connecting individuals to available resources, and ensuring their rights are upheld throughout the justice process. The position is community‑facing, working collaboratively across City departments and local partners to coordinate care, improve service access, and strengthen community safety.

As a key leader in this space, the Advocate will spearhead outreach initiatives, engage with stakeholders, and manage grant administration responsibilities, including tracking deliverables, reporting outcomes, and ensuring compliance with funding benchmarks.

Virtual interviews tentatively scheduled for the week of December 15, target start date January 2026.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime, including during police interviews, follow‑up investigations, and court proceedings.
• Assess client needs and develop individualized service and safety plans.
• Assist with Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) claims and other financial, legal, and social support.
• Educate clients on the criminal justice process, victim rights, and available services; actively participate in referrals to community partners.
• Accompany victims to court proceedings, interviews, and related appointments; act as liaison between clients, law enforcement, attorneys, and community agencies.
• Maintain comprehensive case files and documentation for reporting; assist victims in preparing victim impact statements and other court materials.
• Participate in community outreach and conduct educational presentations to staff, partners, and residents.
• Coordinate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including law enforcement, prosecutors, healthcare providers, social workers, and housing service providers.
• Participate in case review meetings and support the development of trauma‑informed response protocols.
• Provide training and consultation to staff and partner agencies on victim‑centered practices.
• May provide on‑call or emergency response services during evenings or weekends as needed.
• Assist clients experiencing poly‑victimization with risk assessments and complex care planning.
• Assist with protective orders and legal paperwork for clients.
• Manage cases using electronic databases; prepare statistical and narrative reports for state/federal compliance.
• Support grant writing, data collection, and reporting to funding agencies.
• Translate documents or provide oral translation as required.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Work is performed in an office, court, or field setting.
• May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, extreme temperatures, fumes, vibration, and emotionally distressing situations.
• May require irregular hours and response to emergencies after hours.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods; occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Requires dexterity, good vision, hearing, reach, and mobility, including fieldwork on uneven terrain.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• Experience: Two years of direct services, crisis counseling, or advocacy for victims of crime, preferably in a public or nonprofit setting.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed and victim‑centered advocacy, crisis intervention, case management, California victim‑rights law (including Marsy's Law and CalVCB), the criminal justice system, community resources, and confidentiality and ethical guidelines.
• Ability to provide empathetic, culturally competent, non‑judgmental support; maintain professional boundaries, communicate effectively, prioritize tasks, and use case‑management systems.
• Valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record (if vehicle use is required).
• Completion of California OES Entry‑Level Victim Advocate Training may be required within the first year.
• Bilingual (Spanish or other) highly desirable.

Benefits of Employment

• CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members – 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members – 2% at 62 formula, 8.25% contribution.
• Medical: Comprehensive health coverage via CalPERS with multiple HMO and PPO plans and generous City contribution.
• Dental: Comprehensive coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Vacation: 75 hours annually, increasing with service.
• Management Incentive Leave: 27 hours per fiscal year.
• Holidays: 11 City Holidays; Floating Holidays: 4 days.
• Sick Leave: 90 hours annually; unused leave is converted to service credit at retirement.
• Deferred Compensation: Up to 1% 457(b) matching after 1 year continuous service.

Additional Information

For benefits information and a detailed summary for this position, please visit City of Alameda Benefits and refer to the MCEA.