Victim/Witness Advocate I/II

Kings County•Hanford, CA

About The Position

The Kings County District Attorney’s Office is seeking compassionate, dedicated Victim/Witness Advocates to support victims and witnesses through difficult experiences and help them access services while participating in the pursuit of justice. The role involves crisis intervention, short-term and follow-up paraprofessional counseling, case-related document review, advocacy, referrals, and assistance navigating criminal justice processes. Advocates coordinate with clients, family members, law enforcement, court personnel, service providers, and community organizations. Some duties may be performed in a learning capacity at the entry-level I classification. The position requires an associate degree or equivalent in psychology, social services, or a closely related field, along with experience that varies by level. A valid California driver’s license is required at appointment. Employees must qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check, be willing to work irregular hours and travel within and outside Kings County, and complete required entry-level training within the first 12 months. Certain positions may require demonstrated fluency in a foreign language.

Requirements

Equivalent to an associate degree in psychology, social services, or a closely related field.
Victim/Witness Advocate I: One year of experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or similar social service delivery work.
Victim/Witness Advocate II: One year as a Victim/Witness Advocate in Kings County, or two years of increasingly responsible experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or similar social service delivery work as a Victim/Witness Advocate I in Kings County.
Possession of a valid California driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Be willing to work irregular hours as required and travel within and outside the County.
Complete the required minimum hours of entry-level training pursuant to California Penal Code 13835.10 within the first 12 months of appointment.
Submit a completed application and supplemental questionnaire; include work experience for the last 15 years and relevant education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated speaking, reading, and/or writing fluency in a foreign language may be required for certain positions.

Responsibilities

Review and process case-related documents, including crime reports, medical reports, and court records, to determine needed services.
Provide crisis intervention and short-term and follow-up paraprofessional counseling to victims and witnesses.
Conduct outreach and interviews to identify victims eligible for assistance.
Help victims complete applications and forms, collect supporting documentation, and submit claims to the appropriate state agency.
Assist victims and witnesses with criminal justice processes, including support at crime scenes and law enforcement interviews, and help ensure property is returned.
Arrange meetings among law enforcement, victims, and attorney staff.
Assist with obtaining injunctions, restraining orders, and restitution.
Advocate for victims and facilitate communication with law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, and children and family services agencies.
Refer clients to support organizations and assist them in obtaining counseling, medical and dental care, protective services, psychiatric services, childcare, food, shelter, clothing, and other community services.
Explain court procedures and terminology; notify clients of court dates; arrange transportation and follow up on attendance; provide court orientation, accompaniment, and case-status information; and assist victims at parole hearings.
Support members of victims’ primary support groups and conduct home visits.
Provide information to the public and make educational presentations about the program and its services.
Coordinate services with internal staff and external agencies and organizations, including corrections, law enforcement, courts, medical providers, community organizations, landlords, and employers.
Prepare and maintain correspondence, reports, impact statements, program information, and case records.
Maintain accurate case files, including client communications, contacts, court updates, and restitution follow-up.
Perform administrative tasks, including answering telephone calls, processing forms, entering data into specialized computer systems, and maintaining files and records.
Respond to mass violence or casualty incidents as required.
Host and attend community-based and public events.
Perform related duties as assigned.