What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim Assistance Coordinator position at Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph?
Description
Position Objective
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is seeking a part-time Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) to serve as a compassionate bridge of healing and reconciliation for individuals harmed by sexual abuse perpetrated by diocesan personnel. Guided by trauma-informed and victim-centered principles, the VAC coordinates outreach, pastoral support, and access to healing resources for survivors and their families, while collaborating closely with the Executive Director of Journey to Bethany, a ministry of healing and justice, and the Ombudsman to ensure survivors are met with understanding, respect, and practical assistance throughout their journey. This is a part-time position averaging 25 hours per week.
Essential Duties
Initial Response and Support
o Collaborate with the Ombudsman to provide an immediate, compassionate, and trauma-informed response when survivors first report abuse.
o Offer ongoing accompaniment and advocacy for survivors and their families as they navigate diocesan and civil processes.
o Ensure timely and consistent communication, follow-up, and documentation of survivor interactions in the OCYP database.
Healing and Reconciliation
o Coordinate appropriate and responsive pastoral and spiritual care for survivors and their loved ones.
o Facilitate meetings between survivors/family members and the Bishop or his delegate, promoting opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation.
o Support the Survivor Advisory Group and other initiatives that elevate survivor voices and promote healing within the Church community.
o Work collaboratively with Journey to Bethany to develop and support programs, events, and restorative practices that promote healing and justice.
Resources and Referrals
o Oversee the OCYP counseling referral process, ensuring that trauma-informed professionals and spiritual advisors are available to survivors.
o Build and maintain a network of trusted counselors, spiritual directors, and community resources.
o Provide survivors and families with access to educational and recovery materials, including recommended readings, faith-based resources, and Journey to Bethany programming.
o Assist the Executive Director of Journey to Bethany in cultivating partnerships with mental health, victim services, and restorative justice organizations.
Education and Collaboration
o Partner with the Training and Compliance Coordinator to provide formation and education to clergy, Church personnel, and volunteers on trauma-informed ministry and survivor sensitivity.
o Coordinate monthly survivor peer support groups, workshops, and educational events that nurture community and shared healing.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Deep understanding of trauma-informed and victim-centered care practices.
Commitment to principles of healing, reconciliation, and restorative justice.
Compassionate interpersonal skills with the ability to listen actively and respond with empathy.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including nonjudgmental presence and survivor advocacy.
Capacity to manage sensitive and emotional situations calmly and respectfully.
Ability to collaborate across diocesan departments, parishes, and community organizations.
Independent work ethic with discernment and accountability.
Basic Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor's degree in a human services field such as counseling, social work, psychology, education, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or victim advocacy.
Working knowledge of restorative and reconciliation-oriented practices.
Strong organizational and administrative skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and database systems.
Practicing Catholic with personal integrity and conduct consistent with the teachings and moral principles of the Catholic Church.
Preferred:
Experience working with survivors of abuse, faith-based ministries, or restorative justice programs.
Familiarity with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms.
Note: All employees must complete a background check, sign the Code of Conduct, and complete all safe environment training prior to hire.