Hoda Avaz
San Jose,CA
Summary
Multilingual in English, Farsi, Dari, and Assyrian, with a strong commitment to fostering positive community impact. Experience as a research assistant at the Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex, along with training as a recruit police officer with the San Francisco Police Department, has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement dynamics. Serving as a victim-witness advocate supervisor at the Alameda District Attorney’s Office involved providing essential support and resources to empower victims and their families. This unique blend of skills and experiences equips a dedicated professional to make meaningful contributions in community service and justice advocacy roles.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Specialist III
Alameda District Attorney’s Office
06.2022 - Current
- Assist victims of crime by providing a full range of services, including crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing trauma or distress
- Offer court support, including emotional preparation and in-person accompaniment
- Maintain consistent case status updates to ensure clients are informed and supported
- Make referrals to community resources and promote community awareness of victim services
- Strong counseling and advocacy skills to support and empower victims
- Skilled in team collaboration and a willingness to engage in problem-solving
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse populations
- Knowledge of legal processes, trauma-informed care, and community resources
Program Specialist
Alameda District Attorney’s Office
11.2024 - 11.2025
- Supervise and support a team of victim advocates to ensure the delivery of trauma-informed, victim-centered services to individuals involved in criminal cases
- Provide daily oversight, guidance, and performance management, ensuring all services align with legal, ethical, and procedural standards
- Coordinate onboarding, training, and mentorship programs for new staff and interns to develop professional advocacy competencies and understanding of the criminal justice system
- Work closely with Deputy District Attorneys, law enforcement, and community partners to uphold victims’ rights and ensure timely access to resources
- Serve as a liaison between the District Attorney’s Office and external victim advocacy organizations, fostering interagency collaboration and improving community response
- Ensure advocate presence and support during high-stress or high-profile court proceedings across multiple courthouses
- Monitor and review case management practices to ensure accurate documentation, timely victim notification, and compliance with Marsy’s Law and other victim rights legislation
- Manage high-volume and sensitive caseloads, including cases involving violent crime, domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide, ensuring advocates provide consistent and effective court support
- Develop and implement protocols to streamline workflows, improve service delivery, and ensure quality assurance across all cases
- Oversee intern placement, supervision, and training, providing structured, hands-on experience to prepare the next generation of victim advocates
- Advanced knowledge of criminal justice procedures
- Strong leadership and mentorship skills within high-performing multidisciplinary teams
- Expertise in trauma-informed care, crisis response, and court advocacy
- Skilled in workflow optimization, performance evaluation, and cross-functional coordination
Rehabilitation Counselor I
Alameda District Attorney’s Office
05.2024 - 11.2024
- Lead and oversee complex cases, offering advanced guidance and support to victims
- Provide high-level crisis intervention, de-escalation, and emotional support in critical or high-risk situations
- Monitor and manage case status updates, ensuring timely communication and resolution across multiple cases
- Facilitate community referrals and partner with agencies to ensure comprehensive service delivery
- Promote community awareness, conduct outreach initiatives, and represent the organization in public forums
- Mentor and support junior advocates; assist in training and development efforts
- Proven ability to identify systemic problems and lead collaborative team-based solutions
- In-depth knowledge of criminal justice systems, victim rights, and legal processes
- Excellent strategic communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills
- Ability to manage high caseloads with professionalism, discretion, and empathy
Police Service Aide
San Francisco Police Airport Bureau / Traffic Division
11.2020 - 06.2022
- Directed traffic flow and ensured safe pedestrian and vehicle movement during routine patrols, special events, and emergencies
- Enforced vehicle codes and municipal parking ordinances, issuing citations and promoting compliance with local laws
- Accepted and processed public complaints in person and via telephone, providing professional and empathetic service
- Performed non-sworn supportive duties for police officers, freeing sworn personnel to focus on higher-priority tasks
- Assisted ill or injured individuals on scene until emergency medical services arrived
- Supported property and evidence handling, including receiving, storing, and releasing items per chain-of-custody procedures
- Strong knowledge of public safety procedures, municipal laws, and emergency response
- Experience working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments
- Proficient in report writing, radio communication, and citizen interaction
- Collaborative teamwork with sworn officers and other first responders
Police Officer Recruit
San Francisco Police Academy
06.2019 - 11.2020
- Investigated the status of booked firearms, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and departmental procedures
- Coordinated and conducted firearm destruction in accordance with California state and San Francisco municipal laws
- Performed data checks and validations on criminal records, firearms, and case files to support ongoing investigations
- Entered and maintained accurate records and case-related data in departmental databases
- Provided support to the (CISU), assisting with case management, evidence handling, and documentation tasks
- Knowledge of California firearm laws, police procedures, and evidence handling
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in investigative and administrative tasks
- Experience working with confidential information and sensitive criminal case data
- Exposure to law enforcement operations and collaboration with investigative units
Investigator Assistant (Volunteer)
Merced District Attorney’s Office
05.2017 - 05.2018
- Conducted background checks on families for the Housing Authority
- Assisted MAGNET (Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team) with evidence destruction orders
Researcher Assistant Based in Merced Juvenile Hall
California State University, Stanislaus
01.2014 - 05.2018
- Conducted in-depth interviews with juvenile gang members to support academic and field research on youth gang involvement
- Summarized qualitative interview data into concise, accurate reports for research analysis and publication
- Collected, organized, and analyzed data on gang affiliation, behavior patterns, and intervention outcomes
- Led and coordinated a team of three interns, delegating tasks and ensuring timely completion of research objectives
- Participated in regular supervision meetings and research team discussions to review findings and adjust methodologies
- Experience in qualitative research, interview techniques, and data analysis within a criminal justice setting
- Strong understanding of youth delinquency, gang dynamics, and community-based intervention approaches
- Leadership and team management skills developed through coordinating intern researchers
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion
Investigator Assistant
Merced District Attorney’s Office
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Conducted background checks for the Housing Authority to ensure applicant eligibility and public safety compliance
- Assisted MAGNET (Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team) with processing evidence destruction orders, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to legal protocols
- Knowledge of background investigation procedures, public housing regulations, and privacy standards
- Experience working with law enforcement task forces, specifically in gang and narcotics enforcement contexts
- Familiarity with evidence handling, destruction protocols, and chain-of-custody considerations
- Strong attention to detail, discretion, and commitment to legal and ethical standards
Investigator Assistant
Modesto Police Department
01.2013 - 05.2013
- Collected and analyzed data from jail phone calls, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality
- Provided detailed and organized data to investigators to support ongoing cases and further investigative actions
- Attended group meetings and supervisions to collaborate on case progress and strategy development
- Participated in ride-alongs with law enforcement officers to gain firsthand experience and assist in real-time investigations
- Proficient in data collection and analysis within a criminal justice environment
- Experience supporting investigations through timely and precise information sharing
- Strong teamwork and communication skills developed through regular collaboration and briefings
- Exposure to law enforcement field operations and case management
Victim Advocate Assistant
Stanislaus District Attorney’s Office
01.2010 - 05.2012
- Assisted Victim Unit Advocates with their productivity
- Entered data collected from advocates into the system
- Attended courts with advocates
- Sent out letters to the victims and/or their families
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Education
Master of Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice
California State University, Stanislaus
Stanislaus, CA12.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
California State University, Stanislaus
Stanislaus, CA05.2015
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Modesto Junior College
Modesto, CA05.2012
Languages
English
Farsi
Dari
Assyrian
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Program Specialist
Alameda District Attorney’s Office
11.2024 - 11.2025
Rehabilitation Counselor I
Alameda District Attorney’s Office
05.2024 - 11.2024
Mental Health Specialist III
Alameda District Attorney’s Office
06.2022 - Current
Police Service Aide
San Francisco Police Airport Bureau / Traffic Division
11.2020 - 06.2022
Police Officer Recruit
San Francisco Police Academy
06.2019 - 11.2020
Investigator Assistant
Merced District Attorney’s Office
08.2017 - 12.2017
Investigator Assistant (Volunteer)
Merced District Attorney’s Office
05.2017 - 05.2018
Researcher Assistant Based in Merced Juvenile Hall
California State University, Stanislaus
01.2014 - 05.2018
Investigator Assistant
Modesto Police Department
01.2013 - 05.2013
Victim Advocate Assistant
Stanislaus District Attorney’s Office
01.2010 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
California State University, Stanislaus
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Modesto Junior College
Master of Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice
California State University, Stanislaus