Victim Witness Program Assistant I

The District Attorney’s Office is accepting applications to fill Victim Witness Program Assistant I vacancies in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, California. Bilingual skills in Spanish are preferred. Please ensure you provide your bilingual skills and fluency on your application.

We are establishing one employment list that will be used to fill current, future, and extra-help vacancies in multiple locations (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc.) Please select all locations you would like to be considered for current and future employment.
The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• Experience in a social services program providing case management to individuals in crisis
• Ability to be a self-starter with demonstrated initiative
• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to successfully work with diverse populations, law enforcement and stakeholders in criminal justice system
• Great customer service skills and experience working with the public
• Ability to handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change
• Willingness to work nontraditional hours; and to be on call when required
• Public speaking skills
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system

Victim-Witness Assistance Program: The District Attorney's Office Victim-Witness Assistance Program provides advocacy and support to victims of crime to make the criminal justice system more accessible by providing comprehensive advocacy and support. The goal is to assist victims overcome physical financial and emotional trauma experienced as a result of the crime. The division provides comprehensive services and develops and conducts training for service agencies, community-based programs and criminal justice personnel. The Victim Services staff works in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other victim service providers. Under general direction of the Victim Witness Program Assistant Director provides management oversight of the Victim Witness regional operations and unit supervisors.

The Department: The mission of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office is to pursue truth and justice by employing the highest ethical standards in vigorously prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, and preventing crime. The District Attorney has offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. The Office embodies a team approach to fighting crime, wherein Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators, Victim Witness staff, and support staff work closely together at all stages of a case. The Office is also dedicated to ongoing training and skill development, as well as fostering the development of new technologies to fight crime and achieve justice. Specialized prosecution units exist for areas of great concern to the County including gangs, vulnerable victims, and white-collar crime. To learn more about the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, please visit: http://www.countyofsb.org/da/index.html

1. Interviews and provides crisis and resource referral counseling for crime victims, their families, and witnesses before and during court process; assesses clients' needs for medical, psychological, legal, financial, shelter, or employment services; provides victims with information on shelters, temporary restraining orders, and availability of counseling or other social services; advocates for victims, ensuring that client needs are addressed within the community and criminal justice systems.
2. Provides clients with an explanation of court process, potential dispositions, education and training regarding the criminal justice system.
3. Transports, escorts, and supports victims during court appearances.
4. Prepares applications for victim compensation by obtaining necessary information and documents completing and submitting forms to the State Victim's Compensation Program.
5. Initiates and maintains computerized case files to document case activities.
6. Confers with attorneys and law enforcement on the issues affecting a victim's ability and willingness to cooperate with the investigation and prosecution or other pertinent issues.
7. Conducts outreach presentations on victimization with emphasis on prevention; supervises volunteers assigned to the program; promotes the program by preparing written articles and public service announcements, as well as speaking before and participating in community agencies.

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate how they meet the employment standards on their application. Applicants should attach all relevant degrees and/or unofficial transcripts to their application.  

• Completion of 24 semester units in the behavioral sciences or criminal justice; OR,
• One year of interviewing experience involving the provision of social services, counseling, paralegal assistance, or equivalent; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required. Some positions require the ability to speak, read, and write fluently in Spanish.

Knowledge of: interviewing techniques; characteristics of human behavior; standard English grammar, usage, and punctuation; safe driving practices.

Ability to: read and understand California statutes as they apply to victims' rights; respond supportively to the needs of victims and witnesses; work in an organized and accurate manner; obtain information through interview and observation; find and use community resources; drive a county vehicle; transport and accompany victims; write reports, articles, and public service announcements; create and maintain computer files and learn database software; act as a liaison between law enforcement staff and crime victims; create and deliver informational presentations before groups of people; participate in community agencies; learn, apply, and explain the criminal justice system and legal procedures; work well with a wide variety of people; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.NOTE:  Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans).  To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act.  No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.
 
To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form; and (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 and, if applicable, VA certification of disability rating, to the Human Resources Department on or before the online assessment examination date; and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.
 
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history, or deception relating to employment history may bar employment. The incumbent will also be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.

Statement of Commitment: The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization. 

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Note:  Applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 4:59 p.m. PST; postmarks will not be accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.


Collin Graham, Senior Talent Acquisition Analyst - cgraham@countyofsb.org

Salary : $58,519 - $69,782