Job Description

Job Overview Under general supervision, initially in a training capacity, the Victim Advocate will assess and coordinate the service needs of crime victims and witnesses to meet their material, emotional, and informational needs. The Advocate will also represent the Department in public presentations, community groups, and committees. Employment Requirements Selected candidates must successfully pass a full background investigation prior to appointment. The position requires the ability to travel to alternate locations and, if driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization. All County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs) and must complete all assigned DSW‑related training. Responsibilities Conduct client interviews after a violent and traumatic crime to assess needs and take appropriate action. Assist clients in completing required applications and resolve inconsistencies or omissions. Arrange emergency assistance and provide follow‑up counseling to meet victims’ immediate needs, referring to counseling resources and support groups as needed. Provide crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and emotional support, including coping strategies and grounding techniques. Maintain clear case notes documenting all contacts, correspondence, and pertinent information, including grant‑required documentation. Establish and maintain working relationships with law enforcement and community‑based resource agencies and coordinate outreach services. Communicate with caregivers, family members, or other parties of interest to secure or disseminate information. Incorporate relevant Federal, State, and local laws, policies, and procedures in timely, accurate filing management while managing a large caseload. Assist clients in preparing victim impact statements and notify them of case status and disposition. Explain the criminal justice system and court process in lay terms. Accompany clients to court hearings and provide emotional support during trials. Attend trainings, conferences, hearings, workshops, and meetings. Compile electronic records and submit mandated reports or other correspondence. May be required to assist with the response to a mass victimization event. May serve as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) as required. Perform other related duties as needed. Education, Experience, and Training Applicants should have sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus direct application of the required knowledge and abilities. Relevant experience and college coursework totaling sixty (60) semester units may substitute for formal education. One year of full‑time work experience providing services in a law enforcement agency, or providing peer counseling, assistance, and/or direct human services in a government or community‑based organization serving disadvantaged or victimized individuals, is required. Experience that includes interviewing clients, providing peer support, and managing a caseload is desirable. Twelve (12) semester units in Social Sciences, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related fields may substitute for the required work experience. Special Requirements Must successfully complete required in‑house and entry‑level victim/witness advocacy training through the State of California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) within one (1) year of appointment. If the CalOES training is not available within the first year, the employee must complete the first available training or vacate the position. Ability to travel to alternate locations; possession of a valid California driver’s license and County driver authorization required if driving. Knowledge and Abilities Methods of counseling and interacting with diverse individuals under emotional stress. Interviewing techniques to elicit personal information. General knowledge of public assistance programs. Methods of organizing and compiling documents/files. Proficiency with common computer systems and applications. Record keeping, case management, and report writing techniques. English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Interview effectively to assess client needs. Develop confidence and cooperation with diverse individuals. Maintain professional ethics and personal boundaries. Provide trauma‑informed and culturally responsive services. Understand and communicate the criminal justice process, penal codes, and sentencing structure. Adhere to confidentiality guidelines, laws, and regulations. Utilize trauma‑informed care principles in client care. Refer clients to relevant community and State resources. Assess data and determine appropriate actions. Research, develop, and use community resources. Communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse populations. Prepare clear and accurate correspondence, reports, and records. Work independently under stressful conditions. Maintain sound judgment. Establish effective relationships with colleagues, the public, and other agencies. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of Santa Clara

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