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Victim Support Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$93K - $145K/yr

  • Retirement

The victim specialist role is crucial to helping victims navigate the aftermath of crime with ... You excel at emotional support, using your strong interpersonal skills to offer comfort and ...

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Victim Support information

See California salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do victim support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for victim support in California is $18.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a victim support worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Victim Support Worker, you need strong knowledge of crisis intervention, safeguarding procedures, and relevant legal frameworks, often supported by a background in social work, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, risk assessment tools, and safeguarding protocols is essential. Excellent communication, empathy, resilience, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills for building trust and effectively supporting vulnerable individuals. These skills ensure that victims receive appropriate emotional support, guidance, and advocacy during challenging times, promoting their recovery and safety.

What degree do I need to work with victims of crime?

Victim support roles typically require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but many positions prefer or require a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, empathy, and knowledge of trauma-informed care; certifications in crisis intervention or counseling can also be beneficial.

How long does it take to become a victim support?

Becoming a victim support worker typically requires completing relevant training or certification, which can take from a few weeks to several months depending on the program. Some roles may also require prior experience in social work, counseling, or related fields, and obtaining certifications such as crisis intervention or trauma counseling can enhance employability.

What are some common challenges faced by victim support professionals, and how are these challenges typically addressed in the workplace?

Victim Support professionals often encounter emotionally charged situations, which can lead to compassion fatigue or burnout. To address this, organizations typically provide regular supervision, access to counseling services, and opportunities for peer support. Additionally, training on managing trauma and maintaining professional boundaries is common, helping staff maintain their own well-being while providing effective support to victims. Open communication within teams and structured debriefing sessions are also important for processing difficult cases.

What is victim support?

Victim support refers to services and assistance provided to individuals who have experienced crime or trauma. These services can include emotional support, practical help, information about legal rights, and guidance through the criminal justice process. The goal is to help victims recover, cope with the effects of crime, and ensure they are treated with respect and dignity. Victim support workers may be employed by charities, government organizations, or the police. They play a crucial role in empowering victims and helping them rebuild their lives.

What are popular job titles related to Victim Support jobs in California?

For Victim Support jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Victim Support jobs?

Cities in California with the most Victim Support job openings:

Infographic showing various Victim Support job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,164 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

$93K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Federal Bureau of Investigation rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 45 rated police


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The position advertised has been exempted from the federal civilian hiring freeze.

At the FBI, we don’t just recognize talent — we strengthen and elevate it. We employ individuals who are not only ready to enhance their skills in victim support and advocacy but also looking to contribute effectively to their teams.

The victim specialist role is crucial to helping victims navigate the aftermath of crime with dignity and resilience. You’ll be responsible for providing immediate assistance and support to victims, integrating trauma-informed care into every interaction. Your expertise extends to a wide range of support services, such as performing crisis intervention, undertaking comprehensive case management, and facilitating access to legal assistance. This role demands a deep understanding of social services and the ability to work closely with other agencies to ensure that victims receive the care and support they need.

When urgent situations demand immediate attention, victim specialists are there to provide their invaluable support to individuals during their most vulnerable times. You excel at emotional support, using your strong interpersonal skills to offer comfort and understanding to victims. Your problem-solving and case management skills allow you to navigate complex systems to connect victims with the resources they need. From the initial response to the aftermath of a crime, you are equipped for every phase, always working to stay ahead of emerging challenges by enhancing your skills in victim advocacy and support.

With the FBI’s robust benefits package, you’ll find career advancement opportunities, competitive salary that values your contribution, and a retirement plan for long-term security. Working at the Bureau will help you become more efficient, expand your skill set, and advance your career — all while making a significant impact on national security.

Set yourself apart. Apply today.

HOW TO APPLY

STEP 1: Click on the “Apply” button to be directed to the FBIJobs Careers website.

STEP 2: Click the “Start” button to begin. You will be prompted to either sign in to continue or register with FBIJobs if you don’t already have an account.

STEP 3: Follow the step-by-step process to submit your interest. You will be guided through each step. You must complete all sections of the form AND ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE ATTACHED to successfully submit your interest.

  1. Your resume, specifically noting relevant work experience and associated start and end dates.
  2. Other supporting documents:
  • College transcripts, if qualifying based on education or if there is a positive education requirement.
  • Veterans: DD 214; Disabled Veterans: DD 214, SF-15, and VA letter dated 1991 or later.

Please see instructions on the site for attaching documents.

SALARY LEVEL

Pay level for this position:

  • GS 11–12: $93,358.00–$145,468.00

Salary shown is the base salary for the grade levels. Salary is also commensurate with professional experience.

MAJOR DUTIES

  • Provides direct assistant services to persons who have suffered direct physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of a violent crime.
  • Contacts victims, conducts needs assessments and develops an action plan for immediate and on-going services as indicated by the needs assessment.
  • Provides crisis intervention services, which are directed toward de-escalating a situation, establishes physical and emotional safety, and provides concrete/basic needs services, emergency needs and reinforcing the victim’s ability to make choices regarding possible courses of action.
  • Ensures FBI Adherence to the Attorney General Guidelines and establishment and adoption of best practices for victim assistance.
  • Maintains involvement either through outreach or membership on multidisciplinary teams, with local agencies that provide services to federal crime victims.
  • Develops and implements trainings and presentations related to victim concerns and coordination with other federal, state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement agencies, health, social services, schools, and advocacy organizations.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

GS-11: Applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience (SE) equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

  • Collaborated within a law enforcement, prosecutorial, or victim services agency to provide crisis intervention resources to victims who have suffered direct physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of a violent crime.

GS-12: Applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience (SE) equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

In addition to the above:

  • Maintained relationships with local, state, and federal agencies and victim assistance organizations to ensure adequate emergency resources and partner engagement.
  • Assisted with the development and implementation of educational or training activities to speak with groups about issues related to victims of crime.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance.
  • Must be willing to travel as required.
  • Must meet the FBI’s Employment Eligibility requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

  • Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S.-accredited college or university in behavioral or social science, or a discipline related to the victim assistance field, including but not limited to: Criminal Justice, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Victimology, Gender and Women Studies.

All degrees must be verified by submitting college transcripts.

The FBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this vacancy. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex, pregnancy and related conditions, or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other nonmerit factors.


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