Victim-Witness Advocate (Program Coordinator I)

The City of Pasadena is currently seeking an energetic, diplomatic, and caring Victim-Witness Advocate (Program Coordinator I). This vacancy is in the City Attorney/City Prosecutor's Office - Prosecution Division, and will help to ensure that the Department continues to support victims and witnesses with empathy and with respect, which includes informing victims and witnesses of their rights under Marsy's Law and providing sensitive and supportive services, and connecting victims to appropriate resources. The Victim-Witness Advocate works with victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the criminal justice process. This position may occasionally work evenings and weekends as needed to support victims and witnesses.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing; will exercise a high degree of diplomacy, tact, professionalism, initiative, and independence; will maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with understanding, compassion, and thoughtfulness; will have strong organizational skills and attention to detail; will be able to research, identify, and specify information, resources, and programs that promote the needs of victims and witnesses; will have solid interpersonal and problem solving skills; will be able to develop and maintain the confidence and collaboration of emotionally vulnerable individuals; will have basic counseling and crisis intervention techniques; and will have a strong knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Essential Functions

The major responsibilities of this position are listed. For additional information of the classification, please review the generic job description.

• Contacts victims, witnesses, and families at the time criminal charges are filed to explain the criminal justice system, confirm contact information, obtain preliminary information about restitution, and connect to services, including medical, counseling, and housing, as appropriate.
• Provides referrals and facilitates access to emergency intervention services, if needed.
• Serves as liaison between the Prosecution Division attorneys and victims/witnesses; stays in regular contact to better ensure victim/witness collaboration and appearance in court, as needed, and to ensure questions are answered that arise.
• Ensures that victims and witnesses are treated fairly and are heard and supported throughout the process.
• Ensures that Marsy's Law requirements are satisfied, including providing case status notifications.
• Serves as a contact for victims and witnesses and provides emotional support, as needed; will also provide resource and referral assistance, as needed.
• Arranges for and accompanies victims and witnesses to case preparation meetings.
• Accompanies victims and witnesses to court; assists in notifying employers if court appearances require victims and witnesses to miss work.
• Assists victims with making victim impact statements.
• Assists victims and witnesses in submitting restitution requests to the court, including applications to the Victim Compensation Board (VCB).
• Assists victims and witnesses with return of property requests to the court.
• If needed, assists victims and witnesses in an emotional crisis as a result of a crime, and provides resources and referrals.
• Provides information from victims and witnesses to assigned attorney to provide, as appropriate, in discovery; documents contacts, referrals, and updates in case management system.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualification Guidelines

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment.