Victim Advocate

Lane County; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 62,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County is seeking a Victim Advocate to help victims and families navigate the criminal justice process. You will provide crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals while explaining court processes and supervision conditions.

The role requires compassionate, professional judgment and strong communication. You will work with prosecutors, law enforcement, and partners to support victims throughout investigations and prosecutions.

Qualifications

• Two years of responsible experience in community service providing direct client assistance and coordinating and training volunteers.
• An equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, and experience may qualify.
• Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to community resources for victims and their families.
• Explain court processes and offender supervision conditions; assist victims through investigations and prosecutions.
• Build trust with victims, assess needs, connect to services, and collaborate with prosecutors, law enforcement, and community partners.

Job description

About the Position

For more than 40 years, the Lane County District Attorney's Office Victim Services Program has provided advocacy, support, and resources to victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process. Our mission is to ensure victims are informed, supported, and empowered while navigating some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

As a Victim Advocate, you will serve as a trusted resource and guide for victims and their families, providing crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to community resources. You will help individuals understand the criminal justice system, explain court processes and offender supervision conditions, and support victims throughout investigations and prosecutions.

This role requires compassion, professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to build trust with people experiencing trauma. Successful candidates are strong communicators who can assess needs, connect individuals with services, and advocate effectively while working collaboratively with prosecutors, law enforcement, community partners, and volunteers.

If you are passionate about public service, helping others, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of crime victims, we encourage you to apply.

About the Division

The mission of the Lane County District Attorney’s Office: To faithfully prosecute the laws of the State of Oregon without favor or prejudice in order to promote safety, accountability and compassion for the betterment of the community, victims and - where appropriate - the criminally accused and their families.

Schedule

Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm.

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

Training

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in social work, sociology, corrections or counseling is desirable.

Experience

• Two years of responsible experience in community service providing direct client assistance and coordinating and training volunteers.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements

• This position requires consenting to and successfully passing a criminal background check.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Victim Advocate Classification Details

Selection Process

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Trauma Informed Care Statement

Trauma-informed care is an approach used to engage people with histories of trauma. It recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma can play in people’s lives. Trauma-informed criminal justice responses can help to avoid re-traumatizing individuals.

Lane County is committed to providing services using Trauma Informed Care practices. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently, or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other.

Veteran Preference Information