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Special Victims Unit Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Trial Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Domestic Violence and Special Victims Section and the Mental Health Sections protect victims of ... This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 1403 GENERAL ...

Special Victims Unit information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$9

$35

$92

How much do special victims unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for special victims unit in Silver Spring, MD is $36.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.68 and $45.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Special Victims Unit?

A Special Victims Unit (SVU) job involves investigating and handling crimes related to sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, and other sensitive cases. SVU officers and detectives work closely with victims, forensic experts, and prosecutors to build cases and ensure justice. They require specialized training in victim advocacy, forensic interviewing, and trauma-informed care. The role can be emotionally demanding but is crucial in supporting and protecting vulnerable individuals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Special Victims Unit position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Special Victims Unit (SVU) role, you need strong investigative skills, a background in law enforcement or social services, and knowledge of criminal law—often supported by relevant training or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic tools, and evidence collection protocols is crucial for daily operations. Excellent communication, empathy, and resilience are vital soft skills for building trust with victims and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure sensitive, thorough investigations and effective support for vulnerable individuals affected by complex crimes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the Special Victims Unit?

Professionals in the Special Victims Unit often encounter emotionally charged cases that require balancing thorough investigation with empathy and discretion. The nature of the crimes investigated can lead to high-stress situations and the need for ongoing emotional resilience. Team members frequently collaborate with law enforcement, healthcare providers, social workers, and legal professionals, which requires clear communication and coordinated efforts. While the work is demanding, it can also be deeply rewarding as SVU professionals play a key role in seeking justice and supporting survivors.

How to work in the Special Victims Unit?

To work in the Special Victims Unit, candidates typically need a law enforcement background, such as being a police officer or detective, and specialized training in handling sensitive cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, or child abuse. Relevant skills include strong communication, investigative abilities, and knowledge of legal procedures; certifications in forensic interviewing or victim advocacy can be advantageous. Applicants usually undergo a rigorous selection process, including background checks, interviews, and physical fitness assessments.

What are popular job titles related to Special Victims Unit jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Special Victims Unit jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Special Victims Unit jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Special Victims Unit jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Special Victims Unit jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Special Victims Unit job openings:

Infographic showing various Special Victims Unit job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,879 per year, or $36 per hour.

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY
Located in the nation's capital, The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. The OAG enforces the laws of the District, defends and provides legal advice to the District's government agencies, and protects the interests of the District's residents. This position is located in the Public Safety Division within the Criminal Section.
The Public Safety Division handles all cases where young people commit a law violation in the District of Columbia and prosecutes selected adult misdemeanor cases. The Domestic Violence and Special Victims Section and the Mental Health Sections protect victims of domestic violence, incapacitated adults who are being abused, and mentally ill adults who need emergency psychiatric care. The Restorative Justice Section facilitates conferences between the young people who commit crime and the victim, where the victim is interested. The Public Corruption Section prosecutes offenses related to fraud that undermine the public trust. The Juvenile Section holds young people who commit crimes accountable, protects the community, and assists in the rehabilitation of those individuals.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OAG seeks a trial attorney for the Criminal Section who is a team player and highly motivated to be a prosecutor and trial attorney. You will have tremendous responsibility from day one with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment that involves a significant caseload and court experience. A sense of determination, strong work ethic, and the ability to handle the pressures of litigation are important. This is a great opportunity for any attorney with passion for learning as much as they can about the criminal justice system and how we can help shape solutions to not only make our communities safer but stronger.
The Criminal Section prosecutes adults who commit certain types of offenses within the District of Columbia, including adult misdemeanor traffic and quality of life offenses. Specifically, the Section prosecutes all alcohol and drug impaired driving cases, certain firearm offenses, quality of life offenses such as indecent exposure to adults and children, and certain regulatory offenses. Duties include interviewing and preparing police and civilian witnesses; making charging decisions; researching, writing, and litigating motions; and managing all aspects of a trial calendar from intake through sentencing, including bench and jury trials. The Public Safety Division's management is dedicated to extensive training and attentive support for its Assistant Attorney Generals, providing an atmosphere where their prosecutors learn to exercise discretion and sound judgment and can grow into strong, ethical, and confident trial attorneys.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION
Trial Attorney LA-12
The successful candidate must have at least two to three years of relevant related specialized experience. The candidate must have substantive knowledge of District and federal law, excellent oral and written communication skills, and outstanding legal research skills. The candidate must also be organized and possess the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain working relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION
The incumbent must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment.
HOW TO APPLY
An online application must be completed along with the submission of all required documents.
  1. Use button at top of page to complete online application.
  2. For resume attachment, attach a single document containing all of the following:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Unofficial transcripts if the applicant has less than five years of experience (official transcripts may be required if selected)
  • Proof of active bar membership (or proof of eligibility to waive into D.C.
  • Writing sample (between 5 and 10 pages)
  • List of Three References.
If you experience any issues uploading attachments through the career's portal, please send the required documents to OAGrecruitment@DC.gov. Please be sure to add the JOB ID to the subject line.
FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MAY LEAD TO NON-CONSIDERATION FOR THE POSITION.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: LA-0905-12
Salary Range: The maximum salary for this grade is negotiable up to $100,172. depending on qualifications and availability of funds.
Number of Vacancies: One (1)
Type Of Appointment: Legal Service Regular Appointment
Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
In-person reporting with limited telework and flexible work schedules available upon eligibility.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 1403
GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING: The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation including reference checks.
RESIDENCY PREFERENCE: Applicants claiming "Residency Preference will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Code • 2-1401.01, et . seq ., (the Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
OFFICIAL JOB OFFERS ARE TO BE MADE ONLY BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL