Victim Witness Assistance Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description DEFINITION I Under supervision, to provide a variety of services to victims and witnesses of crimes in accordance with the Victim/Witness Program in the County District Attorney's Office; to learn to interview victims and witnesses, assessing needs and making referrals; to assist with the development of community resources for victim/witness assistance; to represent the Victim/Witness Program with community organizations and agencies; and to do related work as required. II Under general supervision, to provide a variety of services to victims and witnesses of crimes in accordance with the Victim/Witness Program in the County District Attorney's Office; to interview victims and witnesses, assessing needs and making referrals; to assist with the development of community resources for Victim/Witness assistance; to represent the Victim/Witness Program with community organizations and agencies; and to do related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS I This is the entry and first working level in the Victim/Witness Advocate class series.

Incumbents learn and perform a variety of basic victim/witness and program support services for the Victim/Witness Program. This class is distinguished from the Victim/Witness Advocate II in that incumbents perform a lesser scope of assignments which do not require the same level of knowledge of the Victim/Witness Program. When an incumbent becomes familiar with department and the Victim/Witness Program policies and demonstrates good sustained work performance, they may be promoted to the Victim/Witness Advocate II level.

II This is the second working level in the Victim/Witness Advocate class series. Incumbents have responsibility for performing a variety of victim/witness and program support services for the Victim/Witness Program. This class is distinguished from the Victim/Witness Advocate I by requiring comprehensive knowledge of program services and policies.

REPORTS TO Victim/Witness Program Coordinator CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED This is not a supervisory class. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in an office environment; may occasionally work outside; continuous contact with other staff and the public

Example of Duties (The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.) I Learns to interview victims and witnesses of crimes, advising them of restitution rights and the availability of services Learns to assess client's needs and make referrals to appropriate community resources and organizations Keeps program clients aware of the status and disposition of cases Provides transportation for persons unable to get to court Explains program procedures, policies, and services Learns to work with community organizations to develop resources and appropriate referral services for victims and witnesses Learns to make presentations as necessary Maintains liaison with law enforcement agencies May provide some basic counseling and crisis intervention support for Program clients Maintains program records and enters data into a computer system performs a variety of Victim/Witness Program administrative and support functions. Other duties as assigned. II Interviews victims and witnesses of crimes, advising them of restitution rights and the availability of services Assesses needs and makes referrals to appropriate community resources and organizations Keeps program clients aware of the status and disposition of cases Provides transportation for persons unable to get to court Explains program procedures, policies, and services Works with community organizations to develop resources and appropriate referral services for victims and witnesses Makes presentations as necessary Maintains liaison with law enforcement agencies Provides basic counseling and crisis intervention support for Program clients Maintains program records and enters data into a computer system Performs a variety of Victim/Witness administrative and support functions Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: I Previous responsible work experience in a social service/public assistance, criminal justice, or law enforcement agency. Advanced training in social or behavioral science, criminology, or public administration is desirable. II One year of responsible work experience in dealing with victims and witness of crimes, or performing criminal justice work comparable to that of a Victim/Witness Advocate I with San Benito County.

Advanced training in social or behavioral science, criminology, or public administration is desirable. Special Requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License Knowledge Of/Ability To Knowledge of: I Basic knowledge of rules and regulations governing victim/witness services and programs. Basic knowledge of the functions of public law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.

Interviewing and record keeping techniques. II Rules and regulations governing victim/witness services and programs. Functions of public law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.

Principles of providing assistance to victims and witnesses of crimes. Client problems requiring referral to other organizations and support services. Interviewing and record keeping.

Ability to: I Learn to provide a variety of client and program support services for the Victim/Witness Program. Learn to interview people, identify needs, and make appropriate referrals. Learn to analyze and interpret laws and regulations related to victim/witness services.

Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of data and information. Prepare, clear, concise and accurate records and reports. Communicate with others from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

Elicit factual information from applicants and recipients in difficult circumstances of deprivation or emotional disturbance. Assist with development of community referral resources for the Victim/Witness Program. Learn to effectively represent the Victim/Witness Program in contacts with service providers, the public, community organizations, and other government agencies.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. II Provide a variety of client and program support services for the Victim/Witness Program. Interview people, identify needs, and make appropriate referrals.

Analyze and interpret laws and regulations related to victim/witness services. Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of data and information. Prepare, clear, concise and accurate records and reports.

Communicate with others from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Elicit factual information from applicants and recipients in difficult circumstances of deprivation or emotional disturbance. Assist with development of community referral resources for the Victim/Witness Program.

Effectively represent the Victim/Witness Program in contacts with service providers, the public, community organizations, and other government agencies. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Selection Process: All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed.

Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list. In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all County of San Benito employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.