Witness Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

San Juan County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Basic Function San Juan County is excited to invite candidates to apply for our Victim/Witness Coordinator position.

We are currently looking to fill two vacancies. First screening of applications will be on July 1st, 2026. To be considered with the first group of applicants, we highly encourage you to submit your application on or before this date.

This position is responsible for providing information and support to crime victims consistent with the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, Crime Victim Service Center and Victim/Witness Assistance Grant Programs (the "grant"). This position is 100% grant funded. The employee in this position works closely with attorneys in the office to provide support to victims of crimes.

Examples of Essential Duties Provide non-judgmental assistance and support to victims and witnesses in criminal cases. As the budget allows, and consistent with grant documents and office policy, provide emergency financial assistance to victims of crime. Review law enforcement reports to identify victims/witnesses and determine possible needs.

Promptly contact victims/witnesses and gather required information. Keep the person harmed informed of their rights; and the progress of case such as arraignments, changes of plea, trials, and sentencing. As needed accompany persons harmed to court and pre-trial interviews.

Orient persons harmed with to the criminal justice system. Inform and provide guidance as needed with the preparation of: victim impact statements at sentencing; restitution paperwork; and necessary paperwork for financial benefits with the Office of Crime Victim Compensation. Act as liaison between victims/witnesses and prosecutors.

Document victim/witness contacts in office case management database. Coordinate with private and public organizations for services to victims harmed by crime including emergency assistance. Make referrals as appropriate to local, state and federal agencies for services being mindful that the victim/witness coordinator is part of the prosecutor's office and cannot promise or necessarily maintain communications as confidential.

Coordinate training to support, inform and provide outreach to individuals and community groups about available services and the statutory and constitutional rights of persons harmed by crime to increase understanding and awareness. Under the direction of the Prosecuting Attorney, prepare and administer the following: victim case files, maintains current data in InfoNet, and assists in the preparation of the county budget for the grant program. Manage the requirements of the grant and prepare all grant required documentation such as quarterly reports, certifications and hours tracking.

Meet all grant training and reporting requirements. Prepare and submit annual grant proposals to support the program. Acting within the scope of their responsibilities, work as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52

Perform other related duties as required by the Prosecuting Attorney consistent with grant requirements. Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree with emphasis in counseling, social services and psychology, OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential job functions. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Prior to providing services, a 30-hour pre-advocacy course is required, 10 additional hours are required in the first year and annually thereafter 12 hours of training is required.

Must be able to pass a background check and complete Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) training. Supplemental Information PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Requires reading and handling of written material; use of a computer for reading and writing; good listening skills, including hearing acuity for in-person and phone conversations and large and small meetings; and ability to talk, receive and understand written and oral communication. Requires frequent sitting, standing, short distance walking, and ability to climb in and out of small airplanes, watercraft and automobiles.

Requires ability to understand and relate well with victims of crime and cooperate with a variety of personnel from other County departments, agencies, and community groups. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is normally performed in an office environment but will require some travel to other islands and the mainland for meetings, training and interviews.