Victim​/Witness Coordinator- Major Trials Unit

Position: Victim/Witness Coordinator
- Major Trials Unit

Unit: Victim Services Unit

Supervisor: Director of Victim Services Unit

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 Major Trials Unit provides direct, specialized support to victims and witnesses involved in serious and violent felony cases, including robbery, burglary, gun possession, shootings, aggravated assault, and other serious crimes. This position requires a high level of professionalism, empathy, and resilience, with a strong emphasis on court accompaniment, trauma-informed advocacy, and culturally responsive engagement.

Based within the Major Trials Unit, this role involves regular presence in court proceedings, frequent communication with victims and witnesses, and close collaboration with prosecutorial staff. The coordinator works in partnership with prosecutors, law enforcement, and community-based organizations to ensure that victims' rights are upheld and that they receive timely, compassionate, and comprehensive support throughout the prosecution process. The Victim/Witness Coordinator will also work closely with the CARES Unit, the Relocations Unit, and other divisions within the Office to coordinate services, enhance victim safety, and ensure seamless communication and support.

This position reports to the Director of Victim Services and works in close coordination with the Chief and Assistant Chief of the Major Trials Unit.

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide individualized support and court accompaniments to victims and witnesses throughout all stages of the trial process, including preliminary hearings, trials, and sentencing.

Deliver trauma-informed and culturally competent advocacy, ensuring that all victims-especially those impacted by serious or violent crimes-receive services that are respectful, inclusive, and responsive to their needs.

Inform victims about their legal rights under the Crime Victims Act, Juvenile Act, Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Court Procedure, and the Victims' Bill of Rights.

Maintain consistent communication with victims regarding case status, plea offers, hearings, and sentencing updates via phone, letter, or in-person meetings.

Support prosecutors by preparing victims and witnesses for courtroom testimony, explaining courtroom procedures, addressing fears, and reinforcing available emotional and practical supports.

Assist victims with victim compensation, restitution, and witness fee reimbursement; coordinate transportation, interpretation services, and referrals to community-based programs as needed.

Facilitate communication between victims, prosecutors, law enforcement, and other criminal justice partners to ensure coordinated, accurate, and compassionate case management.

Respond promptly to concerns of victim intimidation or harassment, coordinating protective measures as appropriate.

Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals for counseling, advocacy, or other specialized victim support services.

Assist victims in preparing victim impact statements and exercising their right to be heard during key court proceedings.

Participate in case meetings, multidisciplinary collaborations, and ongoing professional training to strengthen advocacy skills and maintain best practices in trauma-informed care.

Ensure all services are documented accurately in compliance with PCCD Victim Service Program Standards and office policy.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 2-3 years of experience working directly with victims of serious or violent crimes, preferably within the criminal justice or victim services field.
• Demonstrated ability to apply trauma-informed care and cultural humility in providing direct services.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and crisis-intervention skills.
• Proven ability to maintain professionalism and empathy in emotionally charged and high-pressure environments.
• Knowledge of victim rights, courtroom procedures, and the dynamics of trauma and victimization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Bilingual skills (especially Spanish or other commonly spoken languages in Philadelphia) preferred.

Rewards/Benefits

This is an exempt…