Victim​/Witness Coordinator- Juvenile Unit

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.

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.

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

• 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…