8129-Victim/Witness Investigator I - City and County of San Francisco

Appointment Type:  Permanent-Exempt (PEX) Appointment.  Pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Charter, Section 10.104.13, any person occupying a position under exempt appointment shall not be subject to civil service selection, appointment, and removal procedures.  Exempt employees shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing officer. 

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office is one of the premier law enforcement organizations in the United States.  Our mission is to collaborate with the City’s diverse communities and law enforcement agencies to make San Francisco one of the safest cities in America.  Our office engages in public education and crime prevention efforts while maintaining the traditional role of investigating, charging, and prosecuting all criminal violations occurring within the City and County of San Francisco.  The unparalleled opportunities for challenging, meaningful, and sophisticated work have consistently drawn top candidates to our office over the years.

The Victim Services Division (VSD) of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office strives to make the criminal justice system humane and accessible by providing support and assistance to victims and their families in the aftermath of a crime, during criminal prosecution, and after a verdict has been reached. Even if justice is served in the courtroom, it does not always immediately change the way victims feel in their day-to-day lives afterwards.

Our division provides victims with advocacy, streamlines the process for collecting restitution and recouping compensation for financial losses when possible, and, in general, works tirelessly to support victims regain control over their lives.

The Victim Services Division is seeking to fill multiple vacancies in the 8129 classification and placement will be based on prior experience.  

Position Description

The Victim/Witness Advocate position is responsible for assisting victims of crime by providing the mandated services for the Victim-Witness Assistance Program, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 13835 and the Victims’ Bill of Rights. These services, which are also provided to victims’ family members and witnesses of crimes, including advising participants of program services and outreach activities; referring program participants to professional care providers; explaining the process of the criminal justice system; accompanying victims, family members, and witnesses to court and related hearings; and assisting participants with Victim Compensation Program applications.

Examples of job duties and responsibilities for all vacancies include but are not limited to:

1. Advise and assist program participants in obtaining appropriate services, and refer to professional psychological, health, medical, and social service care providers.

2. Provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance in order to deliver timely and comprehensive responses to the immediate and long-term needs of crime victims and survivors.

3. Explain crime victims’ rights, the criminal justice system, and court proceedings, and provide information on case status and disposition.

4. Assist in the preparation, verification, and submission of claims to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, and monitor claim progress and payment.

5. Assist with the arrangement of transportation for crime victims and survivors when appropriate.

6. Conduct program educational presentations to city and community-based partners, and city residents in their communities.

7. Translate as required to meet division needs. Translating may be oral or in written form.

8. May accompany crime victims and survivors to court proceedings and related hearings.

9. Become educated in and competently explain to crime victims and survivors the purpose of diversion, restorative justice, various collaborative courts and the importance of using evidence-based solutions in the criminal justice system.

10. Actively participate in referrals to community-based organizations and guide crime victims and survivors in charged cases through the criminal justice process with the goal of helping crime victims and survivors heal and recover from the trauma caused by the incident.

11. Understand best practices in crafting impact statements and assist crime victims and survivors with said impact statements with the goals of communicating the impact of the offense to the court and, where appropriate, integrating meaningful opportunities for reconciliation between crime victims and survivors and justice-involved-persons as a means to foster healing for all parties involved.

12. May act as the liaison between the department and members of the community.

Requires a minimum of one (1) year of training, education, and/or experience in social welfare, behavioral science, criminology, or a closely related field and responsible social service, criminal justice or advocacy experience. 

Desired qualifications

B.A. or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or closely related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience or in-depth knowledge about trauma recovery, advocacy, mental health services, the criminal justice system, court process and public safety familiarity with San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods as well as their respective community-based programs, experience collaborating across government agencies and facilitating multi-agency processes, strong independent initiative, capacity to operate flexibly in a rapid pace environment, and ability to manage a high case volume.

·       Background in crisis intervention techniques; trauma informed services.

·       Ability to speak Spanish or Cantonese strongly desired.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

1.     Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (training will be provided).

2.     Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

3.     Principles and practices of record keeping / documenting work.

4.     Identify and be responsive to other needs of crime victims and survivors, including providing emergency assistance or referral to other agencies and care providers.

5.     Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a collaborative environment.

6.     Exhibit emotional stability under conditions of high stress, limited supervision, and rapidly changing situations and circumstances; handle sensitive situations and confidential matters discreetly and effectively.

7.     Strong written and verbal skills used to communicate effectively with people of various educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds.

8.     Demonstrate and maintain a high degree of initiative, maturity, integrity, accountability, and good judgment.

9.     Background in working with communities impacted by violence.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

As part of the application package, applicants should submit a cover letter summarizing how they’re uniquely qualified for the assignment in addition to a current resume. Please note, that applicants may be considered for any and all vacant positions for this classification.

The selection process will include an evaluation of applicants in relation to minimum requirements. Depending on the number of applicants, the Department may establish and thereafter implement additional screening mechanisms to evaluate candidates. If so, only those whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Department will be invited for an interview. All applicants who only meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to be invited to the interview process.          

Applicants for consideration for hire will be required to complete a criminal background check. The District Attorney’s office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, people with disabilities, and members of racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities to apply.

Salary: $83,018 - $100,932 annually

This job announcement will remain open until positions are filled. 

Contact: Shavaun Tolliver, Principal Human Resources Analyst (628) 652-4040

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.