Victim/Witness Advocate - 8129

- Application Opening: August 25, 2026
- Application Filing Deadline: September 4, 2026
- Recruitment ID : RTF0163245-01081784

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 immediate 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. Our division provides victims with advocacy support during the pendency of the criminal justice process, 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. To accomplish that end, our division is organized into the following units:

- Victim Advocacy Unit
- Victim Compensation Unit
- Restitution Unit

The Office of the District Attorney is seeking the role of a Victim/Witness Advocate to work within the Victim Advocacy Unit.

The Victim Services Division is seeking qualified applicants for positions in the 8129 Victim Witness Investigator I job classification, functional title Victim/Witness Advocate. The Victim/Witness Advocate role is an in office, administrative role that involves working to support victims of crime dealing with crisis in the aftermath of a crime. While Advocates support victims, witnesses, and survivors during challenging circumstances, the role does not include providing clinical services, therapeutic counseling, or long‑term social‑work intervention. Instead, Advocates coordinate legally mandated services under the Victim‑Witness Assistance Program, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 13835 and the Victims’ Bill of Rights.

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

*Please Note: Placement will be based on prior experience, certification, and team assignment rotations may occur on occasion based on business operational needs and remain at the discretion of VSD leadership.

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.

Note: One year of full-time employment is equivalent to 2000 hours. (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week.)

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.

Desired qualifications

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

Training in domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, crisis response, 40-hour Entry Level Advocate, 24-hour Advanced Advocate and/or Mandated Reporter certifications.

Desired Experience and Knowledge

Strong understanding of trauma recovery, victim advocacy, mental health services, the criminal justice system, court processes, and public safety. Familiarity with San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods and their community based programs. Experience collaborating across government agencies and facilitating multi‑agency processes. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, operate flexibly in a fast‑paced environment, and manage a high volume of cases. Background in crisis‑intervention techniques and trauma‑informed practices. Ability to speak Spanish or Cantonese strongly desired.

Responsibilities

Advise and assist program participants in obtaining appropriate services, and refer them to professional psychological, health, medical, and social service care providers.; Provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance to ensure 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 arranging transportation for crime victims and survivors when appropriate.; Conduct educational program presentations to City departments, community based partners, and residents in their communities.; Provide translation services, orally or in written form, as required to meet division needs.; Accompany crime victims and survivors to court proceedings and related hearings as needed.; Become educated in and competently explain diversion, restorative justice practices, collaborative courts, and the importance of evidence based approaches within the criminal justice system.; Actively participate in referrals to community based organizations and guide crime victims and survivors through the criminal justice process with the goal of promoting healing and recovery from trauma.; Understand best practices in preparing victim impact statements and assist crime victims and survivors in crafting these statements to effectively communicate the impact of the offense to the court, including supporting opportunities for meaningful reconciliation when appropriate.; Serve as a liaison between the department and members of the community when required.

Requirements

Ability to remain emotionally stable and professional under high stress, limited supervision, and rapidly changing situations, skill in handling sensitive and confidential matters appropriately.; Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint (training will be provided).; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.; Knowledge of record‑keeping principles and accurate work documentation.; Ability to identify and respond to the needs of crime victims and survivors, including providing emergency assistance and referrals to appropriate agencies and service providers.; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.; Strong written and verbal communication skills appropriate for interaction with individuals from diverse educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.; Demonstrated initiative, maturity, integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.; Experience working with communities impacted by violence.