Victim/Witness Advocate I

This examination is being given to fill one vacancy in the Victim Witness Program in the District Attorney's Office. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline.

The District Attorney's Victim-Witness Program provides a variety of services for crime victims and witnesses to make their experience with the criminal justice system less traumatic and easier to understand. This involves assistance during the investigation and court proceedings and help in making claims for compensation under the California Victim Compensation Program.

The mission of the Victim-Witness Program is to "provide comprehensive and coordinated services to all victims of violent crime with fairness, dignity and respect. To empower victims in the recovery from the effects of crime through crisis intervention and related support services".

Education:  Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in psychology, social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement or a closely related field.

Note:  Individuals employed as a Victim Witness Advocate in San Joaquin County on the date that this class specification is adopted by the Civil Service Commission may waive the above education requirement.

License:  Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Requirement: Candidates must successfully pass a background investigation prior to employment.

Basic principles of individual and group behavior; basic assessment, interviewing and counseling techniques; cultural and human relations; basic analytical and investigative principles, methods, and techniques; general community resource agencies, both public and private.

Learn and interpret complex laws and regulations; prepare accurate, clear and concise records, reports and other documents; reason logically and draw valid conclusions, both in routine and crisis situations; obtain information through personal interviews; use tact and good judgement in dealing with difficult situations and/or people; maintain effective working relations with a diverse group of people.

Mobility-Frequent standing, walking, keyboard operation, sitting and driving; occasional climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting; Lifting-Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds; Vision-Constant reading and close-up work requiring good overall vision; frequent eye/hand coordination, occasional color/depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity-Frequent holding, gripping and writing; occasional reaching and repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking-Constant hearing normal speech, talking in person and on the telephone; occasional hearing faint sounds; Emotional/Special Conditions-Constant public contact, decision making, and concentration; frequent exposure to trauma, grief and death, exposure to noise, emergency situations; occasional working weekends/nights/overtime and travel.

Applicants for part-time and temporary recruitments who meet the minimum qualifications are either referred to the hiring department for further selection or they may be required to take a written examination.  If a written examination is given, the top candidates may be referred to the hiring department for further selection.

Testing Accommodation:  Candidates who require testing accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must call Human Resources Division at (209) 468-3370 prior to the examination date. 

Physical Exam:  Some classifications require physical examinations.  Final appointment cannot be made until the eligible has passed the physical examination.  The County pays for physical examinations administered in its medical facilities.

Employment of Relatives: Applicants who are relatives of employees in a department within the 3rd degree of relationship, (parent, child, grandparent, grandchild or sibling) either by blood or marriage, may not be appointed, promoted, transferred into or within the department when:

• They are related to the Appointing Authority, or

• The employment would result in one of them supervising the work of the other

Department Heads may establish additional limitations on the hiring of relatives by departmental rule.

Proof of Eligibility:  If you are offered a job, you will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or other documents that establish your eligibility to be employed in the U.S.

Apply Online:       

www.sjgov.org/hr

By mail or in person:  

San Joaquin County Human Resources

44 N. San Joaquin Street Suite 330

Stockton, Ca 95202                                  

Office hours:               
Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; excluding holidays.

Phone:  (209) 468-3370 

Job Line:

For current employment opportunities please call our 24-hour job line at (209) 468-3377. 

When a final filing date is indicated, applications must be filed with the Human Resources Division before 5:00 p.m. or postmarked by the final filing date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Applications sent through county inter-office mail, which are not received by the final filing date, will not be accepted. (The County assumes no responsibility for mailed applications which are not received by the Human Resources Division).  

San Joaquin County Substance Abuse Policy: San Joaquin County has adopted a Substance Abuse Policy in compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. This policy is enforced by all San Joaquin County Departments and applies to all San Joaquin County employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.  For more information go to www.sjgov.org/eeo.