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Victim Service Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VICTIM WITNESS ADVOCATE

Sonora, CA ยท On-site

$20.94 - $25.45/hr

This class is distinguished from the Victim Witness Services Supervisor in that the latter is a full supervisory class with responsibility for the program. Examples of Duties (Illustrative Only ...

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Victim Service information

See California salary details

$15

$31

$49

How much do victim service jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for victim service in California is $31.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are victim services?

Victim services are support programs and resources designed to assist individuals who have experienced crime, trauma, or abuse. These services can include crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning, assistance with navigating the criminal justice system, and referrals to other community resources. The goal of victim services is to help victims recover, ensure their rights are protected, and empower them to move forward. Victim service professionals work in a variety of settings, such as law enforcement agencies, non-profit organizations, and government offices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a victim service provider?

To thrive as a Victim Service Provider, you need a background in social work, psychology, or criminal justice, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in crisis intervention. Familiarity with case management systems, trauma-informed practices, and certifications like Certified Victim Advocate are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and cultural competence are crucial for building trust and providing effective support to victims. These skills ensure appropriate, empathetic assistance and advocacy for individuals navigating traumatic situations and complex legal or social systems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in victim services, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in victim services often encounter emotionally charged situations and may work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis. Managing secondary traumatic stress and maintaining professional boundaries can be challenging. Many organizations provide regular supervision, debriefing sessions, and access to mental health support to help staff cope. Building strong peer networks and practicing self-care are also essential for long-term resilience in this field.

What is the difference between Victim Service vs Victim Advocate?

AspectVictim ServiceVictim Advocate
CredentialsVaries; often requires training or certification in victim assistanceOften requires certification or training in victim advocacy or counseling
Work EnvironmentNonprofit agencies, government offices, crisis centersLegal settings, law enforcement agencies, community organizations
Employer & IndustryPublic sector, nonprofits, social servicesLaw enforcement, legal, social services
Primary FocusProviding support, resources, and referrals to victimsAdvocating for victims' rights, emotional support, and legal assistance

Victim Service and Victim Advocate roles often overlap but differ mainly in focus. Victim Services generally provide broad support and resources, while Victim Advocates focus more on legal advocacy and emotional support. Both roles are vital in assisting victims through recovery and justice processes.

Can I become a victim service without a degree?

Victim service roles often require a high school diploma or equivalent, but some positions may accept relevant experience or certifications in trauma support or counseling. Formal education requirements vary by employer, and additional training or certifications can improve job prospects. Strong communication skills and knowledge of community resources are also important for success in this field.

What degree do I need to work with victim service?

Victim service roles typically require a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field. Some positions may also require relevant certifications or training in crisis intervention and counseling. Experience and strong communication skills are also important for working effectively with victims.

What do I need to work in victim service?

To work in victim services, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, empathy, and crisis intervention, and certifications such as victim advocacy training or first aid may be beneficial. Background checks are often required due to the sensitive nature of the work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Victim Service jobs in California?

The most popular types of Victim Service jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Victim Service jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Victim Service jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Victim Service jobs?

Cities in California with the most Victim Service job openings:

Infographic showing various Victim Service job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,693 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Victim Rights Attorney

Bar Association of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide trauma-informed legal assistance and representation to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking at various stages of the criminal process.

  • Represent victims in criminal hearings in San Francisco Superior Court and advocate in probation and parole hearings and revocation matters.

  • Conduct outreach, participate in regional coalitions and advocacy groups, and deliver workshops and training to community members and organizations.


Job description

Description
Join an organization dedicated to improving our community through programs that provide equal access to legal services. The Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic (CROC) (a fiscally sponsored project of the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco) currently has an opportunity for a Victims' Rights Staff Attorney to join our team.
About CROC:
CROC empowers domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking survivors in San Francisco to understand their legal rights and options, and we provide free legal services to help survivors enforce and protect those rights. CROC operates as a collaborative supported by four member agencies: Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach; Bay Area Legal Aid; the Justice & Diversity Center of The Bar Association of San Francisco; and W.O.M.A.N., Inc. Our office is located in the Inner Mission District of San Francisco.
About the Job:
The Victims' Rights Staff Attorney will work as part of CROC's Marsy Project to provide trauma-informed legal assistance and representation to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking at various stages of the criminal process. This includes the following:
  • Assisting victims in all stages of the criminal process that impact their safety and privacy, including investigations, charging, criminal proceedings, and sentencings
  • Representing victims in criminal hearings in San Francisco Superior Court
  • Providing advocacy in probation and parole hearings and revocation matters
  • Conducting outreach and participating in regional coalitions and advocacy groups
  • Engaging with systems partners, including the San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco District Attorneys' Office, the Victim Services Division of the San Francisco DA's Office, and the San Francisco Sheriff's Department
  • Delivering workshops and training to community members and organizations
  • Preparing timely and accurate reports for funders
  • Collaborating across CROC's programs to provide holistic, effective, wrap-around support to survivors

In-Person Work Schedule:
This is a predominantly in-person position. Court representation is a core and essential function of this role; the Victims' Rights Staff Attorney must be available and prepared to make frequent, in-person appearances in San Francisco Superior Court, and should expect to appear in court regularly throughout the week. While limited remote work may occasionally be possible depending on project needs and with supervisor approval, in-person court availability is expected.
Education and Experience:
  • Licensed member of the California State Bar in good standing
  • At least 2 years of legal experience in a victim service, family law, or other similar setting focused on responding to the practical and legal issues encountered by sexual assault or domestic violence survivors

Qualifications:
  • Strong preference for bilingual Spanish language fluency
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills to communicate with a broad range of people including survivors, other attorneys, judges and court staff, law enforcement, and community partner nonprofits
  • Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and collaboratively with a team
  • Proficiency with standard office software and computing, and the ability to learn and adapt to new systems

Why Work For Us:
We offer a collaborative, mission-driven work environment where your work directly advances survivors' rights and well-being. CROC is grounded in a deep commitment to empowering survivors from all communities, and we are proud to support staff who share that commitment.
We offer:
Starting salary $80,000 - 85,000/year.
A generous benefits package, including multiple medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; pretax commuter, health, and dependent care accounts; employer paid long-term disability and life insurance; a retirement and profit-sharing plan; and more.
To find out more about CROC, please visit our website at www.roclinic.org; to find out more about CROC's fiscal sponsor, the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco, please visit www.sfbar.org.
Equal Opportunity Employer
CROC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We conduct all employment-related activities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other classification protected by applicable Local, State or Federal employment discrimination laws.