Victim and Witness Assistance Program Specialist

Job Description:

Victim and Witness Assistance Program Specialist

Description

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 1 - Investigative Unit

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.

The District Attorney's Office is looking to fill one (1) permanent full-time vacancy.

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

What you will typically be responsible for:

• 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

A few reasons you might love this job:

• 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

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• 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

Competencies Required:

• 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

To read the complete job description, please visit the website, www.cccounty.us/hr

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Desirable Qualifications:

• 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

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.


Multiple Choice Exam: An online, multiple-choice assessment will be administered to all accepted candidates. This assessment will measure but is not limited to the following competencies : Building & Maintaining Relationships, Teamwork, Professional Integrity & Ethics, and Handling & Resolving Conflict. The assessment will be administered remotely using a computer. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment. It is not recommended to take the assessment using a cell phone. (Weighted 100%) Tentatively scheduled: September 30 - October 5, 2025



Candidates are not permitted to retake the same assessment within a six (6) month period. If you apply for another recruitment that uses this exam and the test is scheduled within six (6) months of the date you took the test this time, you will not have the option to re-take the exam.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment specific questions, please contact Angelica Tran at Angelica.Tran@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

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 identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 9/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$64,259.76 - $78,108.13 Annually