Victim Advocate

Lane County, OR; Oregon; On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lane County District Attorney's Office Victim Services Program is seeking a Victim Advocate to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and resource referrals to crime victims and their families. You will help clients understand the criminal justice process and assist during investigations and prosecutions.

The role requires compassion, sound judgment, and the ability to build trust with trauma-affected individuals while working with prosecutors, law enforcement, and

Qualifications

• Two years of responsible experience in community service providing direct client assistance and coordinating and training volunteers.
• Equivalent combination of knowledge and experience may meet minimum qualifications.
• Additional training in social work, sociology, corrections or counseling is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to community resources.
• Explain the criminal justice process and court procedures to victims and families.
• Support victims throughout investigations and prosecutions, coordinating with prosecutors and law enforcement.
• Advocate for clients and connect them with services through community partners and volunteers.
• Build trust with individuals experiencing trauma and work collaboratively with multiple agencies.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Empathy

Strong communication

Needs assessment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.

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.

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