Victim/Witness Coordinator- MC Unit

Position: Victim/Witness Coordinator- MC Unit

Unit: Victim Services Unit

Supervisor: Director of Victim Services

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 for the MC 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 MC Victim/Witness Coordinator reports to the Director of Victim Services and is also expected to work closely with the Chief/Assistant Chief of the MC Unit.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide personalized services to victims and witnesses of crimes through in-person meetings, phone calls, and 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, including pre-trial, trial, and post-case updates, via letter, phone, or in-person meetings.
• Assist victims and witnesses during court proceedings, providing support and advocacy during trial and in the victim/witness waiting area.
• 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.
• Provide assistance with victim compensation, including Victims' Compensation Assistance, crisis intervention, and early outreach efforts and assist with witness fee reimbursement for those subpoenaed to attend court.
• Support victims with practical needs such as transportation, arrange language interpretation, employer/creditor/school interventions, and accessing restitution or personal property held as evidence.
• Provide & refer community resources to victims based upon their need.
• Advocate on behalf of victims and witnesses, ensuring their safety, well-being, and participation throughout the legal process.
• Provide guidance and assist in preparing victim impact statements.
• Address any intimidation or harassment complaints from victims and witnesses, ensuring their protection.
• Serve as a liaison between victims, witnesses, law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim service agencies.
• Collaborate with local and state agencies, coalitions, and committees focused on victim advocacy and criminal justice reform.
• 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)
  
  
  

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. **