Victim Witness Program Assistant II

Victim Witness Program Assistant II

Salary

$33.06 - $39.54 Hourly

Location

Santa Maria, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-7610-01 (O)

Department

District Attorney

Division

District Attorney

Opening Date

07/23/2026

Closing Date

8/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Salary: $33.06 - $39.54 Hourly, plus bilingual allowance when applicable

We are accepting applications to fill a Victim Witness Program Assistant II vacancy in the District Attorneys Office for the County of Santa Barbara. The current vacancy is in Santa Maria. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is preferred for this vacancy.

Location of Vacancies: We are accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in multiple locations within the County of Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, etc.) for full-time and part-time positions. Please make sure you select which location(s) you are willing to accept current and future employment on your application.

The Department: The mission of the Santa Barbara County District Attorneys 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 Attorneys Office, please visit: http://www.countyofsb.org/da/index.html

Victim-Witness Assistance Program: The District Attorneys 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.

Under general supervision, the Victim Witness Program Assistant II, assists victims of crimes by providing information, support, referral, and advocacy services; assists in completing victim compensation claims; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Victim Witness Program Assistant I/II is a flexibly classed series. The Victim Witness Program Assistant I differs from the Victim Witness Program Assistant II in that the latter is assigned more complex cases including felonies, and cases with long proceedings and multiple victims, while the former is assigned primarily misdemeanor and less complex cases.

The Ideal Candidate will Possess:

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

Examples of Duties

• 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.
• Provides clients with an explanation of court process, potential dispositions, education and training regarding the criminal justice system.
• Transports, escorts, and supports victims during court appearances.
• Prepares applications for victim compensation by obtaining necessary information and documents completing and submitting forms to the State Victims Compensation Program.
• Initiates and maintains computerized case files to document case activities.
• Confers with attorneys and law enforcement on the issues affecting a victims ability and willingness to cooperate with the investigation and prosecution or other pertinent issues.
• 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.
• Handles complicated cases including felonies, and cases with long proceedings, multiple victims/witnesses, and more complex legal steps.

Employment Standards

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must provide detailed information on their application to demonstrate how they meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications), including any transcripts that may qualify you for this position.

• Three years of experience within the criminal justice or social service systems in interviewing, counseling, or referring others to community resources. For the II level, education in the behavioral sciences or criminal justice is desirable and may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience (24 units in either/both fields = 1 year of experience; 48 semester units in either/both fields = 2 years of experience); OR,
• Two years of experience equivalent to Victim Witness Program Assistant I. Educational units in either field may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience (24 units in either/both fields = 1 year of experience) as a Victim Witness Program Assistant I; 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:

• The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is preferred for this vacancy. Note: You must self-certify on the application form that you can read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications or removed from the employment list.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License may be required.

Knowledge of: Interviewing techniques; characteristics of human behavior; criminal justice system; English grammar, usage and punctuation.

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; transport and accompany victims; write reports, publicity articles, and public service announcements; create and maintain computer files and learn database software; act as a liaison between criminal justice personnel and victims; create and deliver informational presentations before groups of people; participate in community agencies; apply, and explain legal procedures; work well with a wide variety of people; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking assessment to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

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.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND MEDICAL EVALUATION: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, which includes a Live Scan, conviction history, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history, or deception relating to employment history may bar employment. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

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.

Disaster Service Workers: 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

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.

Benefits Note: The County of Santa Barbara offer excellent benefits. For more information click here. For 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: August 14, 2026 at 4:59 PM PST; postmarks will not be accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Collin Graham, Recruiter at cgraham@co.santa-barbara.ca.us

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620
• This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand.

02

IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire, it is important that you carefully consider all the selections you make and/or the information you provide in the following areas: • Languages other than English • Type of positions you will accept • Types of work you will accept • Types of shifts you will accept • Where you will initially accept employment • Departments you would want to work for Why? If successful in passing the supplemental questionnaire ranking assessment, you will be placed on an employment list. Your ranking is based on the number of candidates on the list. When a department has a vacancy, we will use the employment list, to filter based on the needs of the hiring department and the above choices youve selected. For example, if the District Attorneys Office has a vacancy in Santa Barbara for a full-time position, then candidates that have selected the District Attorneys Office, Santa Barbara location, and full-time work will be pulled from the employment list by rank order and the hiring department will receive the top 10 candidates for consideration. When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire be certain to select all the departments, locations, and work shifts that you are willing to be considered. Also, be certain to list any specific skills you possess, such as bilingual skills. Before submitting your application, please take time to check your selections. This is your only opportunity to make these selections.

• I have read the information and understand my options

03

To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are using educational units to qualify for this position, please ensure you have attached your transcripts to your application. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Additionally, attach any college transcript that would qualify you for this position to your application. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?

• Three years of experience within the criminal justice or social service systems in interviewing, counseling, or referring others to community resources. For the II level, education in the behavioral sciences or criminal justice is desirable and may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience (24 units in either/both fields = 1 year of experience; 48 semester units in either/both fields = 2 years of experience)
• Two years of experience equivalent to Victim Witness Program Assistant I. Educational units in either field may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience (24 units in either/both fields = 1 year of experience) as a Victim Witness Program Assistant I
• a combination of training, education, and experience that is equal to the qualifications listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities listed on the job bulletin.
• None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position

04

Please describe your year(s) of experience within the criminal justice or social service systems in interviewing, counseling, or referring others to community resources. In your response, include the employers name(s), years of experience, and job title. If you do not have this experience with then write "N/A" in the box provided.

05

If you are qualifying under employment standard option three for the question above, a "combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent...", please describe how you meet this qualification. If you do not select this option, then write "N/A" in the box provided.

06

Your responses to the following questions will be read and scored by a rater. The rater WILL NOT have access to your application/resume, while reviewing your responses. Although you may have some of this information on your application, you will need to answer the questions completely. In order to give the rater the best opportunity to evaluate your responses, please make sure you read the question carefully and fully answer all the questions asked. This is your only opportunity to provide detailed information. Failure to provide full and complete answers may affect the outcome of your score and rank on the employment list.

• I understand.

07

I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. Do not enter "see resume" or "see application" as raters will not have access to any information except what you enter in the box for each question. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/civil-service-rules

• I understand.

08

Describe in detail your experience in providing client advocacy and/or case management to individuals in crisis. In your response include your employers name(s), duration of employment, your title, and responsibilities (Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application). If you do not have this experience, write "N/A" in the box provided.

09

Describe your experience in working closely with individuals from diverse populations, law enforcement and/or stakeholders in the criminal justice system. If you do not have this experience, write "N/A" in the box provided.

10

Describe in detail your experience working with the Public. Please be sure to include experiences that demonstrate your customer service skills. In your response also include your employer name(s), duration of employment, your title, and responsibilities (Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application). If you do not have this experience, write "N/A" in the box provided.

11

Describe in detail how you organize and prioritize your work to meet multiple deadlines and competing priorities. In your response include your employer name(s), duration of employment, your title, and responsibilities (Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application). If you do not have this experience, write "N/A" in the box provided.

12

Describe in detail your experience handling high stress situations. If you do not have this experience, write "N/A" in the box provided.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

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