Victim Witness Program Division Chief

County of Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Santa Barbara is seeking a Victim Witness Program Division Chief in Santa Barbara to provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of the countywide Victim Witness Program. You will lead a team of professionals delivering advocacy, assistance, and support to victims and witnesses navigating the criminal justice system.

Reporting to the District Attorney, you will manage funding, budgets, and partnerships, set program priorities, and ensure compliant service delivery across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Four years of experience in criminal justice, social services, or victim services.

Responsibilities

• Establishes division goals and service priorities for victim advocacy and witness coordination.
• Directs staff through program managers and supervisors; oversees training and performance.
• Coordinates with prosecutors, law enforcement, and community partners to align victim services with departmental operations.
• Oversees budget, grant management, and program funding.
• Represents the division on victim services matters and policy development.
• Leads preparedness planning for mass casualty incidents and victim response.
• Provides leadership in policy development, program compliance, and evaluation of outcomes.

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, public/business administration, or a closely related field

Tools

Grant management

Job description

SALARY

$153,793.12 - $196,262.56 Annually

Join the County of Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office as a Victim Witness Program Division Chief and play a vital leadership role in supporting victims of crime throughout our community. In this key management position, you will provide strategic direction and oversight of the countywide Victim Witness Program, leading dedicated professionals who provide essential advocacy, assistance, and support to victims and witnesses navigating the criminal justice system. Reporting directly to the elected District Attorney, you will oversee program operations, strengthen community partnerships, manage critical funding and resources, and advance initiatives that enhance victim services across the County.

If you are an experienced leader committed to victim advocacy, effective program management, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we invite you to bring your expertise to this important role!

The District Attorney’s Office is accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Victim Witness Program Division Chief position located in Santa Barbara. This position is at-will and exempt from the Civil Service provisions.

The Department:

The mission of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's 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.

Victim-Witness Assistance Program:

The District Attorney's 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.

To learn more about the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, visit: https://da.countyofsb.org/. You can also watch our video at https://youtu.be/z8hEhSA4T-A?si=oO3w23lOpEsBLBni

THE POSITION:

Under general direction of the elected District Attorney, plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the countywide Victim Witness Program. Provides division leadership for victim advocacy, victim compensation assistance, and witness services; establishes program priorities, policies, and service standards; directs staff through subordinate management and supervisory positions; and oversees program funding, budgets, grants, and performance. Serves as the District Attorney’s principal program representative on victim services matters, coordinates work across departmental and external agency boundaries, and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Reports to the elected District Attorney. Directly oversees one Victim Witness Program Manager and indirectly oversees two Victim Witness Program Supervisors and other program staff. Works with the District Attorney’s executive team, prosecutors, investigators, legal support, and the Business Office to integrate victim and witness services with departmental operations and priorities.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate is a highly effective and collaborative leader with extensive experience overseeing complex programs in victim services, social services, criminal justice, or a related field. This individual will demonstrate a strong understanding of government operations, grant funding, budget management, and resource allocation, along with proven success in supervising, developing, and motivating staff. An exceptional communicator with strong interpersonal skills and political awareness, the ideal candidate will have the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and other key stakeholders. This leader will bring sound judgment, a strategic approach to program management, and a demonstrated ability to leverage partnerships and resources to strengthen services and support victims of crime throughout Santa Barbara County.

Below is a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in this classification. These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job, and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.

Division Leadership and Service Planning:

Establishes division goals, service priorities, and performance expectations for victim advocacy, crisis intervention, referrals, support during investigative and judicial proceedings, explanation of the criminal justice process, victim compensation assistance, and witness and subpoena coordination and reimbursement. Assesses service demand, access barriers, staffing capacity, and resource needs; directs operational improvements; and ensures services are coordinated across the county.

Management and Workforce Oversight:

Directs a diverse staff through the Program Manager and supervisors; establishes management expectations; evaluates subordinate management performance; and oversees selection, training, work assignments, performance evaluation, and corrective action. Guides managers and supervisors in resolving personnel and workload issues and developing staff capability. Oversees volunteer and intern program coordination and ensures personnel practices comply with Civil Service Rules, labor agreements, employment laws, and applicable County requirements.

Coordination Across the District Attorney’s Office:

Works with prosecutors, investigators, legal support, and administrative managers to develop consistent victim and witness service practices, resolve service and case coordination issues, and support departmental initiatives. Provides subject matter expertise on victim needs and service implications. Participates in and, as assigned, leads cross functional groups and teams; clarifies responsibilities, coordinates implementation, and brings unresolved policy or resource issues to the executive team.

Interagency and Community Partnerships:

Represents the division in working relationships with local law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the County’s emergency management office, courts, government agencies, service providers, and community-based organizations. Develops and coordinates service protocols, referral practices, and joint initiatives addressing victim needs. Works through differences in agency responsibilities and resources to improve continuity of services. Represents the District Attorney on the statewide Victim Witness Coordinating Council and associated committees and provides leadership for assigned task forces and specialized projects.

Mass Casualty Preparedness and Victim Response:

Leads the division’s planning and coordination for victim assistance following mass casualty incidents and other major events affecting crime victims. Works with law enforcement, the FBI, emergency management, and community partners to establish victim service roles, communication procedures, referral arrangements, and coordinated response protocols. Directs the deployment and coordination of division victim service resources within delegated authority; identifies unmet needs; and advises the District Attorney and executive team on response priorities, resource requirements, and continuing victim assistance. Coordinates the division’s participation in preparedness activities and evaluation of victim response practices.

Public Representation and Information:

Speaks on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office on victim services matters within delegated authority. Develops and delivers presentations, training, written articles, and public information for partner agencies, community groups, and other audiences. Explains program services and priorities, communicates victim assistance information, and responds to program inquiries. Coordinates sensitive public communications with the District Attorney and designated communications personnel, protecting victim confidentiality and information related to pending cases.

Policy Development and Program Compliance:

Develops and implements division policies, procedures, and service standards to meet victim service mandates and program requirements. Analyzes existing and proposed legislation and grant requirements; evaluates their operational and resource effects; and recommends changes to the District Attorney. Directs implementation and monitors compliance, consistent with applicable confidentiality requirements and departmental policies. Serves as the division’s subject matter expert and applies technical and analytical expertise to findings and recommendations.

Budget Grants and Resource Management:

Develops and monitors annual budget requests for victim service programs in collaboration with the Business Office. Identifies funding opportunities; directs preparation of new and continuing funding applications, grant and contract narratives, and program budgets; and administers awarded program funding. Oversees grant and contract performance and compliance with federal and state requirements. Coordinates procurement and contract processes with the Business Office, evaluates the sustainability of service commitments, and recommends resource priorities and responses to funding changes.

Performance Analysis and Executive Advising:

Directs the collection, analysis, and interpretation of demographic, cost, workload, and service delivery data. Evaluates program outcomes and work processes, identifies service gaps, and uses findings to guide priorities and operational improvements. Oversees preparation of statistical and program reports for County, state, and federal agencies. Prepares reports, recommendations, and correspondence for the District Attorney and executive team; keeps leadership informed of significant issues, corrective actions, and emerging needs; and carries out assigned special projects.

Resolution of Significant Service Issues:

Provides management direction on complex, sensitive, or escalated victim and witness service issues. Coordinates solutions involving multiple work units or agencies, determines appropriate program responses within delegated authority, and seeks executive direction when broader policy or resource decisions are required. Provides or coordinates direct assistance in particularly complex or urgent circumstances and ensures appropriate follow through by program staff.

Other duties may be assigned within the scope of the job classification.

Education and Experience

The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in social work, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, public or business administration, or a closely related field; AND
• Four (4) years of experience in a criminal justice, social service advocacy/casework program, probation, or victim services program, preferably with experience in legal processes.

International Degrees:

If you have an international degree, you will be required to provide documentation from an evaluation service that demonstrates meeting the U.S. education standards. A list of evaluation services can be found here: https://naces.org/members/

Licenses and Certificates

For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment.

For the full job classification that includes the required Knowledge and Abilities, visit the Victim Witness Program Division Chief Class Spec.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Selection Interviews: The most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in selection interviews with the department leadership team.

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 Process:

Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete an in-depth background investigation. Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history, or deception relating to employment may bar employment.

• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) / Personal History Statement (PHS)
• Background Investigation: Includes an interview, and in-depth background investigation of arrest records, personal, military, credit, employment history, driving records, education, residence history, drug use and reference checks.
• Live Scan: Electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau Investigation.

The background investigation may take up to 4-6 weeks.

Highlighted Benefits:

The County of Santa Barbara offers a competitive benefits package some of which are listed below.

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on the length of public sector employment.
• Management Leave: An annual bank of 40 hours of management leave is granted at the start of the payroll calendar year.
• Holidays: 12 days per year
• Sick Leave: 12 days of sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical (with vision care) and dental plan options. The County contributes 100% of the least expensive EPO employee-only premium. The County also offers flexible spending plans and other voluntary options.
• Onsite Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and eligible dependents.
• Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit (Pension Plan). The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan. The County also offers voluntary participation into a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.

For more information on County benefits, visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/1400/Benefits-Wellness

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Disaster Service Worker:

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.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 11/10/2026 at 4:59 PM PST.

For questions, contact: Erin Kuhn, Talent Acquisition Analyst, [e-mail]