Victim Advocate - San Francisco, United States - City and County of San Francisco

City and County of San Francisco
City and County of San Francisco
Verified Company
San Francisco, United States

1 month ago

Mark Lane

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Mark Lane

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Description

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


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

  • Advise and assist program participants in obtaining appropriate services, and refer to professional psychological, health, medical, and social service care providers.
  • 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.
  • Explain crime victims' rights, the criminal justice system, and court proceedings, and provide information on case status and disposition.
  • Assist in the preparation, verification, and submission of claims to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, and monitor claim progress and payment.
  • Assist with the arrangement of transportation for crime victims and survivors when appropriate.
  • Conduct program educational presentations to city and community-based partners, and city residents in their communities.
  • Translate as required to meet division needs. Translating may be oral or in written form.
  • May accompany crime victims and survivors to court proceedings and related hearings.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • May act as the liaison between the department and members of the community.

Qualifications

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

  • Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (training will be provided).
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Principles and practices of record keeping / documenting work.
  • Identify and be responsive to other needs of crime victims and survivors, including providing emergency assistance or referral to other agencies and care providers.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a collaborative environment.
  • 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.
  • Strong written and verbal skills used to communicate effectively with people of various educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate and maintain a high degree of initiative, maturity, integrity, accountability, and g
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