Victim and Witness Assistance Program Specialist

Why join the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office? 

The Victim Assistance Program in the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office seeks to empower victims of crime through advocacy and support. We work tenaciously to give victims a voice in the criminal justice system, protect their rights and treat each individual with dignity and respect.  Advocates work closely with District Attorney staff, community-based organizations and law enforcement to meet the needs of crime victims and their families.
 
Victims of crime face many different challenges in the aftermath of a crime.  The Victim Assistance team also supports each other in addressing these complex dynamics, while advocating for each family throughout the criminal justice process. Victim Advocates partner with California Victim Compensation Board staff to assist victims with applications to help with crime related expenses. The Victim Assistance team is made up of dedicated advocates who use creative strategies to make a difference in the lives of crime victims.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Able to adapt to the needs of the crime victims we serve
• Good under stressful or highly emotional situations
• Able to work independently and also be a good team member
• Outgoing and able to talk to anyone
• Able to navigate difficult conversations and conflict
• Passionate about making a difference for people
• Equipped with strong case management skills

• Advocating for crime victims throughout the criminal justice process
• Providing crisis intervention and follow up emotional support
• Creating strong relationships within the community to assist with resources and referrals
• Providing support and advocacy to crime victims in court
• Assisting with applications and emergency claims for the California Victim Compensation Board
• Helping victims with restitution and victim impact statements
• Informing victims of their rights under Marsy’s Law
• Providing case notifications, inmate release information and safety planning to victims

• You truly make a difference in the lives of the people we serve
• You can help lift up the voices of crime victims to ensure they are heard
• You will work with a wonderful team of dedicated and passionate advocates

• You will need to prioritize self-care as this is a very emotional, tough, yet rewarding job
• You must be able to interact with people in highly emotional situations
• You will have a lot of independence with heavy caseloads, and it’s important to ask for help when needed

• Any advocacy training or experience
• Background in working with at risk populations
• Able to connect with crime victims from all different backgrounds
• Any education in psychology, social work, criminal justice or any related field

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Presentation Skill: Formally delivering information to groups
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Group Facilitation: Enabling constructive and productive group interaction
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Strategic Thinking & Perspective: Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long range objective

License Required: Possession of a Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Valid out of State motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university, including 12 semester units or 18 quarter units in social sciences, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, psychology, or closely related fields.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time or its equivalent experience in a criminal justice, social services agency or nonprofit organization providing victim/witness assistance and referral services, social casework assistance, and or peer counseling.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. 

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

 It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.