Career Opportunity

Clinical Advocate (8131-Victim/Witness Investigator II)

Recruitment: RTF0136227-01091508

Published: June 29, 2023

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

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 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.

With the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with people of different backgrounds is critical in the work we do. The Office of the District Attorney proactively seeks to recruit, retain and promote legal staff that reflects the diversity of the community served.

Role description

Appointment Type:

This is an Exempt Appointment. Pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Charter, Section 10.104, 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.

Role Overview 

The Victim Services Division (VSD) is currently seeking candidates for the position of 8131 Victim/Witness Investigator II, with the working title of Clinical Advocate. Under the general direction of the Victim Services Division Supervisor, the Clinical Advocate is responsible for providing intensive case management to victims who are identified as having higher or more intensive needs based on a weighted intake assessment. Intensive Care Victim Advocates develop more thorough case plans with victims and provide more direct contact and follow-up with victims than traditional victim advocates. These advocates must ensure increased wraparound services are provided and that the victims are assisted with counseling services, supportive or transitional housing, in-depth explanations of the criminal justice system, and collaboration with other community providers.  This candidate selected for the position may complete other Team Lead responsibilities including implementing policies and procedures, supervising the work of several classifications within VSD, including but not limited to 8129, 9914, and Interns. The Team Lead will be primarily responsible for training, developing, and providing guidance to VSD staff, participating in VSD workgroups while maintaining a victim advocate caseload.

Responsibilities and Duties

􀁸 Provide advocacy support to victims of violent crimes. The clinical advocate may have additional case management duties to meet the needs of homicide cases.

􀁸 Maintain regular communication through individual and team meetings to stay abreast of current issues, set goals, monitor progress, and provide support.

􀁸 Participate and plan training for staff, both at hire and on an ongoing basis to further staff development. Participate in the development of training manuals for victim advocates and interns such that current and incoming staff have access to detailed instructions for their respective assignments.

􀁸 Serve as a working supervisor who may step in to provide coverage for advocates and/or office managers. Arrange for coverage and manage time off requests for the team.

􀁸 Work closely with the supervisor to implement new procedures, troubleshoot issues, and manage change as needed.

􀁸 Assist in the recruitment and selection of new staff and interns. Participate in interview panels and outreach events.

􀁸 Participate and/or create community-facing presentations and/or training as needed.

􀁸 Other duties as assigned.

How to qualify

Requires a minimum of two (2) years of training, education, and/or experience in social welfare, behavioral science, criminology, psychology, or a closely related field and responsible social service, criminal justice, or advocacy experience.

Desirable Qualifications

􀁸 Demonstrated ability to lead a team, organize work and delegate assignments, track performance, and institute quality control measures.

􀁸 Ability to effectively communicate with diverse internal and external stakeholders. Ability to effectively assess and address difficult situations and personalities, responding appropriately to requests for assistance in a timely manner.

􀁸 Ability to work as a team with colleagues to assess and evaluate workflows for efficiency.

􀁸 Ability to work collaboratively for purposes of decision-making, troubleshooting, change management, strategic planning, and execution.

􀁸 Experience supervising staff.

􀁸 Experience compiling data.

What else should I know?

All applicants are required to submit the following supplemental materials in a single Word or PDF file along with their application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Applications will be screened for the relevant qualifying experience.  Additional screening mechanisms may be implemented in order to determine candidates’ qualifications.  Only those applicants who most closely meet the needs of the Agency will be invited to participate in the selection process.  Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement in the process.  Additional supplemental materials may be requested during the recruitment process. 

Salary Range commensurates with experience: $87,802 - $106,730 annually

The deadline to apply for this recruitment is Friday, July 14, 2023.  

Contact: Shavaun Tolliver, Principal Human Resources Analyst (628) 652-4040

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Someone is fully vaccinated when 14 days have passed since they received the final dose of a two-shot vaccine or a dose of a one-shot vaccine. Any new hire must present proof of full vaccination status to be appointed. Any new hire who will be routinely assigned or occasionally enter High-Risk Settings, must provide proof of having received a COVID-19 booster vaccine by March 1, 2022, or once eligible.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.