Victim/Witness Advocate I/II

Victim/Witness Advocate I/II

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Kings County Government Center, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA

Job Type

Full-time permanent

Job Number

2026-065

Department

District Attorney

Division

Victim Witness

Opening Date

11/02/2026

Closing Date

11/12/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The Kings County District Attorney Office is currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of:

VICTIM/WITNESS ADVOCATE I/II

I: $41,350.40 - $50,460.80 Annually

II: $45,676.80 - $55,723.20 Annually

Lead with integrity. Protect the community. Strengthen justice.

The Kings County District Attorneys Office is seeking compassionate, dedicated individuals who want to make a real difference in their community. As a Victim/Witness Advocate I/II, you will stand alongside victims and witnesses during some of lifes most challenging moments, providing support, guidance, and access to critical resources. This is more than a job, its an opportunity to empower others, promote healing, and play an important role in the pursuit of justice.

To discover what makes Kings County a great place to live and work, click here to watch a short video.

For further information click here for the Prosecutors Association MOU

Click here for a short video about the District Attorneys Office.

DUTY SAMPLE

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Receives, reviews and processes a diverse range of documents relevant to specific case; documents include, but are not limited to, crime reports, medical reports, court records, and other documentation used to determine the level of County or legal services needed to support the crime victim or witness.
• Provides crisis intervention to victims and witnesses of crimes to assist in reducing trauma and facilitate adjustment; provides para-professional counseling on a short term and follow-up basis, in the field or program office.
• Performs outreach and interviews to identify victims eligible for assistance.
• Aids crime victims in completing forms and applications including the Victim of Crime application and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) 1707, gathers required documentation, and submits the claim to the appropriate state agency for review.
• Assists victims and witnesses in various processes of the criminal justice system such as support at crime scenes, law enforcement interviews, and ensuring property is returned.
• Arranges meetings with law enforcement, victims, and attorney staff.
• Assists with obtaining injunctions, restraining orders, and restitution.
• Facilitates communication with local law enforcement agencies, District Attorney and/or children and family services agencies as an advocate for the victim.
• Provides referrals to various support organizations and assists victims and witnesses in obtaining counseling, medical and dental care, protective services, psychiatric services, childcare, food, shelter, clothing and related community services.
• Explains court procedures and terms, notifies victims and witnesses of court dates, transports or arranges transportation, and follows up to ensure victims and witnesses appear; provides court orientation, accompaniment, and criminal case status to victims and family members; assists victims in attending Parole Hearings.
• Works with members of the victim's primary support group to assist them in dealing with various aspects of the victim's experiences; conducts home visits.
• Provides information to the public and makes educational presentations regarding the program and its service.
• Serves as a liaison to, and coordinates services with, internal staff and external agencies or organizations including, but not limited to, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), law enforcement, court systems, medical providers, community-based organizations landlords, employers and other entities.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records, correspondence, and reports, impact statements, case records, program information and related reports.
• Establishes and accurately maintains multiple case files, including regular updates and review of all communication and contacts with clients, court updates, and restitution follow-up.
• Performs various administrative tasks such as receiving telephone calls, processing forms, entering data into specialized computer systems, and maintaining appropriate files and records.
• Responds to incidents of mass violence/casualties as required.
• Hosts and attends community based and public events.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Minimum requirements must be met by the closing date

Please note: Work experience for the last 15 years must be included in the work history portion of your application. It is also important that your application show all the relevant education and experience that you possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. A resume may be attached, but it is not a substitute for completing the application and supplemental questions. Failure to submit a completed application may eliminate you from the recruitment.

When completing the work history portion of your application please include each level position title and level as a separate entry when applicable (e.g., If you were a Level I and promoted to Level II, each level should be entered separately to reflect the time held at each level).

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Victim Witness Advocate I/II: Equivalent to an associate degree in psychology, social services, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Victim Witness Advocate I: One (1) year of experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or similar social service delivery work.

Victim Witness Advocate II: One (1) year as a Victim Witness Advocate in Kings County OR Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or similar social service delivery work as a Victim Witness Advocate I in Kings County.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Licenses:

Victim Witness Advocate I/II: Possession of a valid California drivers license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check; must be willing to work irregular hours as required; travel within and outside the County. Incumbents must complete the required minimum hours of entry level training pursuant to California Penal Code 13835.10 within the first twelve (12) months of appointment; Certain positions may require the use of bilingual skills requiring demonstrated speaking, reading and/or writing fluency in a foreign language.

For a complete description of duties and qualifications, please view the detailed job specification below.

Victim/Witness Advocate I

Victim/Witness Advocate II

SELECTION PROCESS: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or a written examination (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) to determine placement on the eligible list.

Note: Those applicants who are among the top 40 written test scores will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.

VETERANS PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Veterans Preference Application

You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date.

Tentative Recruitment Process

Final Date to Apply: November 12, 2026

Human Resources Oral Board: November 23, 2026

Please click here to view the current General Unit MOU.

Retirement Benefits: Eligible employees are enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System, known as CalPERS. The County contracts with the CalPERS for this benefit in the miscellaneous or safety plans as appropriate. The County has reciprocity with other qualifying public retirement systems in California.

Effective January 1, 2013, all new members to CalPERS, or existing members with more than a 6 month break in service from a qualifying previous public employer, will be enrolled in one of the following CalPERS retirement plans (with three year average final compensation) based on their classification:

Miscellaneous - 2% at 62

Safety - 2.7% at 57

If a new employee is currently a member of a qualifying California public retirement plan without a break in service of no more than 6 months (documentation will be required), or ever worked for Kings County previously, they may qualify instead for either of these plans (with single highest year final compensation) in effect prior to January 1, 2013:

Miscellaneous - 2% at 55

Safety - 3% at 55

The new formulas will not apply to existing County employees hired prior to 12/31/12 who promote or transfer to a different position, or into a position covered by a different PERS plan (e.g. move from a position covered by the Miscellaneous Plan to one covered by the Safety Plan).

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health, and chiropractic care for employees and their eligible dependents is available. The portion of the monthly cost that the employees are responsible for depends on their bargaining unit. The County offers a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The County has an Employee Health Center available to Kings County employees and their dependents enrolled in the County health plan.

Deferred Compensation: Participation is voluntary. One plan with several investment options is available. For more information on the eligibility of a contribution match, please refer to the applicable MOU.

Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and day after, Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; and half-day New Years Eve. Holiday credit may vary for law enforcement, fire, and other employees required to work on a holiday. Refer to the MOU for information on the paid holiday closure.

Vacation: Eligible employees earn from two to four weeks of paid vacation per year, depending on their length of service and bargaining unit agreements.

Sick Leave: Sick Leave is accrued for each hour worked. Accrual rates vary depending on date of hire and bargaining unit agreements. The accumulation of sick leave starts from your first day of employment and sick leave may be requested subsequent to the time it is earned.

Retiree Health Insurance: Upon retirement from the County, and depending on bargaining unit agreements, a percentage of accrued sick leave may be converted to be used to pay for retiree health insurance benefits for eligible employee and spouse.

Education Reimbursement Program: Full-time, permanent employees are eligible to receive up to $500 for units earned toward an associates degree, or up to $1,500 for units toward a bachelors or masters degree. Permanent employees who work at least half-time are eligible. Extra help employees are not eligible. Courses must be to increase their knowledge or ability to perform their present job or to prepare for a higher level job with the County. This program is subject to annual funding.

Flexible Benefits Program: Optional program allows employees to pay for certain qualified benefits with pre-tax salary (such as child care expenses, unreimbursed medical costs, or health insurance premiums).

Specialty Pays: See MOU for information.

Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision or procedure described herein may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

01

The application and supplemental questionnaire must be completed fully. The following supplemental questions are used to help determine qualifications and eligibility to continue in the recruitment process. All education and experience used to answer the supplemental questions must be included on the education and work history portion of your application. Incomplete applications or supplemental questionnaires cannot be revised after submission and may be grounds for rejection. Responses such as "see resume" or "see application" or brief general statements will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications may be rejected. By clicking "I Accept" below, I certify that I understand and will follow the application instructions.

• I Accept.

02

Do you possess an Associates Degree in psychology, social services, or a closely related field.

• Yes
• No

03

Please list your education from an accredited college or university. Include the following information: 1) Name of college or university you attended; 2) Degree received; 3) Major and minor studied; 4) Number of units completed and indicate semester or quarter units. Type "N/A" if you do not possess any units from an accredited college or university. Note: The hiring department may require transcripts at the time of the department interview.

04

Please indicate below the amount of increasingly responsible experience you possess in crisis intervention, counseling, or similar social service delivery work.

• Less than one (1) year.
• One (1) year as a Victim Witness Advocate I in Kings County.
• More than one (1) year but less than two (2) years.
• Two (2) years or more.
• None, I do not meet this requirement.

05

Describe your increasingly responsible experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or similar social service delivery work. BE SPECIFIC. in your response, include the following: 1.) the name of your employer, 2.) your job title, 3.) relevant job duties, and 4.) dates you were employed. If no applicable experience, type "N/A".

06

Describe your experience preparing and maintaining a variety of records, correspondence, and reports, impact statements, case records, program information and related reports. BE SPECIFIC. in your response, include the following: 1.) the name of your employer, 2.) your job title, 3.) relevant job duties, and 4.) dates you were employed. If no applicable experience, type "N/A".

07

Describe your experience with explaining court procedures and terms, notifies victims and witnesses of court dates, transports or arranges transportation, and follows up to ensure victims and witnesses appear along with provides court orientation, accompaniment, and criminal case status to victims and family members. BE SPECIFIC. in your response, include the following: 1.) the name of your employer, 2.) your job title, 3.) relevant job duties, and 4.) dates you were employed. If no applicable experience, type "N/A".

08

Although not required for this recruitment, please indicate below your spoken bilingual fluency (English/Spanish). My ability to translate English to Spanish as well as Spanish to English when speaking is:

• Fluent
• Good
• Fair
• N/A - Not bilingual

09

Although not required for this recruitment, please indicate below your written bilingual fluency (English/Spanish). My ability to translate English to Spanish as well as Spanish to English when written is:

• Fluent
• Good
• Fair
• N/A - Not bilingual

10

Do you possess a current, valid California Drivers License (CADL)? NOTE: Military Spouses, please attach copies of your supporting documentation. For information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.

• Yes, I possess a CADL.
• No, I do not possess a CADL but I am WILLING and ABLE to obtain one prior to appointment to this position.
• No, I do not possess a CADL, but I am a military spouse with a valid drivers license issued by the state of my active-duty spouses legal residency. I understand that I will be required to submit documents to verify, including but not limited to my dependent ID, my spouses current out-of-state drivers license, or any other document necessary to verify the information.
• No, I do not possess a CADL and I am UNABLE to obtain one prior to appointment to this position.

11

This position requires the ability to qualify for security clearance through a background investigation which includes fingerprint check.

• I have read and understand the above requirement.

12

This position requires the ability to work irregular hours as required.

• I have read the above statement and am WILLING AND ABLE to meet this requirement.
• I have read the above statement and am UNABLE to meet this requirement.

13

This position requires the ability to travel within and outside the County.

• I have read the above statement and am WILLING AND ABLE to meet this requirement.
• I have read the above statement and am UNABLE to meet this requirement.

14

This position requires incumbents must complete the required minimum hours of entry level training pursuant to California Penal Code 13835.10 within the first twelve (12) months of appointment.

• I have read and understand the above requirement.

15

Please provide any additional information relevant to your qualifications for this position that you believe should be considered when evaluating your application. If not applicable, type "N/A".

16

I understand that only a complete and accurate application will be considered. I have included all current and at least 15 years previous work history and education. I also understand that my application must show all the relevant education and experience that I possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. Additionally, I understand that the supplemental questions are considered part of my official application. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. By clicking "I Accept" below, I certify that I understand and have followed the application instructions.

• I Accept.

Required Question

Employer Kings County

Address Kings County Government Center

1400 W. Lacey Blvd

Hanford, California, 93230

Phone (559) 852-2510

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingscounty