Job Details

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Rewards/Benefits: 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:

• Generous retirement savings options available (pension plan and etc.)
• 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)

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.