Victim/Witness Coordinator-Charging Unit/Early Bail Review

Philadelphia District Attorney's Office; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PSLF Program qualified employer

Comprehensive health coverage

Annual PTO: 10 vacation days, 15 sick,

Wellness program and discounted plan

Pre-tax commuter program

Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

Sick leave bonuses and exchanges

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is seeking a Victim/Witness Coordinator for the Charging/EBR Unit to provide comprehensive support to victims and witnesses of all crimes. The role offers direct assistance via in-person communication, telephone, or written correspondence, ensuring victims know their rights and receive necessary services throughout the criminal justice process.

The Coordinator will collaborate with prosecutors, law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure victims

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field.
• 1-2 years of victim support or related experience.
• Knowledge of victim rights, trauma-informed care, and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized services to victims and witnesses via phone, text, or written communication.
• Inform victims about rights under applicable acts and procedures.
• Inform on case status before and after Early Bail Review hearings.
• Relay case information and gather victim input for prosecutors.
• Facilitate communication among victims, witnesses, prosecutors, and stakeholders.
• Support victims with practical needs (transportation, interpretation).
• Provide and refer community resources to victims.

Skills

Excellent communication

Trauma-informed care

Computer proficiency

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree (social work, criminal justice, psychology or related)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position: Victim/Witness Coordinator-Charging Unit/Early Bail Review

Supervisor: Director of Victim Services Unit (and other designated supervisors)

Company Description

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is committed to delivering justice and providing vital support to victims of crime. Our Victim Services Unit plays a critical role within the DAO’s External Engagement and Government Affairs Division in guiding victims through the legal process and ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of victim services and fostering a supportive environment for both victims and staff.

**Please note that effective September 1, 2021, the City of Philadelphia requires all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19.**

To attain a job with the city, you must be a city of Philadelphia resident within 6 months (180 days) of hire and able to work completely in the office.

Summary of Job

The Victim/Witness Coordinator for the Charging/EBR Unit at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is responsible for providing comprehensive support to victims and witnesses of all crimes. This role involves direct assistance via in-person communication, telephone, or written correspondence, ensuring that victims and witnesses are fully informed of their rights and receive necessary services throughout the criminal justice process. The coordinator will work closely with prosecutors, law enforcement, and various community organizations to ensure that victims are supported and their needs are met.

The Charging/EBR Victim/Witness Coordinator reports to the Director of the Victim Services Unit and is also expected to work closely with the Early Bail Review Team.

The Victim/Witness Coordinator serves as a member of the Victim Services Unit and may be assigned or reassigned to different units, specialty teams, or areas of responsibility within the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office based on operational needs, staffing requirements, workload demands, and the needs of victims and witnesses. Employees are expected to remain flexible and perform duties as assigned in support of the mission of the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide personalized services to victims and witnesses of crimes through phone calls, texts and other written communication.
• Inform victims about their rights under the Crime Victims Act, the Juvenile Act, the Pennsylvania Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure, and the Victims’ Bill of Rights.
• Ensure crime victims are informed of case status both before and after the Early Bail Review hearing.
• Relay critical case information to victims, including upcoming proceedings and plea offers, and gather victim input to share with the assigned prosecutor for consideration.
• Facilitate communication between crime victims, witnesses, prosecutors, and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system.
• Support victims with practical needs such as transportation, arrange language interpretation, employer/creditor/school interventions, etc.
• Provide & refer community resources to victims based upon their need.
• Advocate on behalf of victims and witnesses.
• Address any intimidation or harassment complaints from victims and witnesses, ensuring their protection by working with the appropriate DAO staff.
• Serve as a liaison between victims, witnesses, law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim service agencies.
• Participate in the education and training of District Attorney staff and other agencies supporting crime victims.
• Ensure compliance with the Consolidated Victim Service Program Standards as mandated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or other related degree
• 1-2 years of victim support, social work or a related field work experience
• Knowledge of victim rights, trauma-informed care, and best practices in victim support.
• Excellent speaking, writing, listening skills required
• Computer proficiency required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.

This is an exempt employee with the City of Philadelphia. Immediately upon assuming office, new hire will receive benefits similar to those of other City of Philadelphia employees, including the below benefits:

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program qualified employer
• We offer comprehensive health coverage (medical, vision, prescription and dental) for employees and their eligible dependents
• Annual paid time off (PTO) package: 10 vacation days, 15 sick leave days, 11 paid holidays, 5 annual administrative leave
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Before tax commuter program
• Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Sick leave bonuses and exchanges
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Applications will be active for one year from the date of receipt by the Office.

All exempt employees of the District Attorney’s Office are at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. The at-will relationship shall not be modified for any employee and no agreement, oral or written, shall be entered into that changes the at-will relationship.

** The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. **