Victim/Witness Coordinator- Juvenile Unit

Philadelphia District Attorney's Office; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PSLF Program

Comprehensive health coverage

Paid time off

Wellness program

Commuter program

Flexible spending accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The Victim/Witness Coordinator in the Juvenile Unit at the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office provides trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, and comprehensive support to juvenile victims and witnesses.

The role coordinates with prosecutors, juvenile probation, law enforcement, schools, and community partners to ensure victims understand their rights and receive timely information and services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in relevant fields.
• Experience in victim support or juvenile justice preferred.
• Familiarity with Pennsylvania Victims' rights laws and juvenile act advisable.
• Ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders and maintain confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, victim-centered services through in-person, telephone, written and electronic communication.
• Inform victims of rights under applicable laws and ensure timely case status updates.
• Prepare victims and witnesses for juvenile court and accompany them to hearings.
• Maintain communication with assigned prosecutors regarding victim concerns and case developments.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, probation, schools, and service providers to ensure advocacy and support.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Advocacy

Case coordination

Victim services

Communication

Interagency collaboration

Computer proficiency

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position: Victim/Witness Coordinator- Juvenile Unit

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 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 assigned to the juvenile unit provides trauma-informed advocacy, case coordination, and comprehensive support services to victims and witnesses involved in juvenile delinquency matters prosecuted by the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.

The Victim/Witness Coordinator serves as the primary liaison between victims, caregivers, Assistant District Attorneys, juvenile probation, law enforcement, court personnel, service providers, schools, and community agencies to ensure victims are informed, supported, and afforded their rights throughout juvenile court proceedings. The Victim/Witness Coordinator provides crisis intervention, case updates, court accompaniment, referrals, safety planning, and assistance navigating the juvenile justice system while ensuring compliance with the Pennsylvania Crime Victims Act, the Juvenile Act, the Pennsylvania Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure, and all applicable victims' rights laws.

This position requires a trauma-informed, victim-centered, and developmentally appropriate approach while balancing the unique rehabilitative goals of the juvenile justice system. The Victim/Witness Coordinator reports to the Director of the Victim Services Unit (and other designated supervisors) and works closely with the Chief and Assistant Chiefs of the Juvenile Unit.

The Juvenile Unit prosecutes delinquency matters involving youth alleged to have committed criminal offenses while promoting accountability, rehabilitation, community safety, and positive youth development. The Unit works collaboratively with juvenile probation, treatment providers, schools, behavioral health agencies, child-serving systems, community organizations, and other justice partners to ensure appropriate case outcomes while recognizing the unique needs of juvenile offenders, victims, and their families.

The Unit handles a wide range of juvenile offenses, including violent crimes, property offenses, firearm-related offenses, and other delinquency matters. Throughout the juvenile court process, the Unit prioritizes victim engagement by ensuring victims receive timely information, meaningful opportunities to be heard, and access to advocacy and supportive services consistent with Pennsylvania law.

Operational Flexibility and Unit Assignment

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 trauma-informed, victim-centered services to victims and witnesses through in-person meetings, telephone communication, written correspondence, and electronic communication.
• Inform victims of their rights under the Pennsylvania Crime Victims Act, the Juvenile Act, the Pennsylvania Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure, and other applicable victims' rights laws.
• Ensure victims receive timely updates regarding case status, court hearings, adjudications, dispositions, appeals, and post-disposition proceedings.
• Prepare victims and witnesses for juvenile court proceedings and accompany them throughout court appearances.
• Maintain regular communication with assigned Assistant District Attorneys regarding victim concerns, safety issues, and case developments.

Facilitate communication among victims, caregivers, prosecutors, juvenile probation officers, law enforcement, court personnel, and community partners.

• Conduct early outreach to victims and provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and safety planning.
• Assess victim needs and provide referrals to community resources, counseling services, emergency assistance, housing, legal resources, behavioral health providers, and other victim service agencies.

Coordinate practical assistance including transportation, interpreter services, employer/school interventions, childcare referrals, and recovery of personal property held as evidence.

• Assist victims in preparing Victim Impact Statements and ensure victims are afforded opportunities to participate throughout the juvenile justice process.
• Address reports of victim or witness intimidation, harassment, or retaliation by coordinating with prosecutors and law enforcement to promote victim safety.
• Advocate for victims while recognizing the rehabilitative framework and confidentiality requirements of the juvenile justice system.
• Maintain accurate case documentation, case notes, referrals, victim contacts, and required statistical reporting in accordance with office policies and grant requirements.
• Collaborate with juvenile justice stakeholders, schools, child-serving agencies, behavioral health providers, victim service organizations, and community partners to enhance services for victims.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, trainings, committees, and community outreach initiatives related to juvenile justice and victim services.
• Serve as a flexible member of the Victim Services Unit and accept reassignment to other units, specialty teams, or areas of responsibility within the Unit as needed to meet operational demands, staffing needs, and the service needs of victims and witnesses.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or other related degree
• 1-2 years of victim support, social work, juvenile justice, child welfare, or related human services experience.
• Knowledge of victim rights, the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, trauma-informed care, and best practices in victim support.
• Understanding of adolescent development, family systems, and the unique dynamics of the juvenile justice system.
• Ability to effectively communicate with victims, families, prosecutors, juvenile probation officers, court personnel, community partners, and service providers.
• 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. **