Child Abuse Coordinator/Victim Advocate

Child Abuse Coordinator/Victim Advocate Print ( Apply Child Abuse Coordinator/Victim Advocate Salary $53,884.00 Annually Location Easton, PA Job Type Full time Job Number 2025-00150E Department District Attorney Division District Attorney Opening Date 04/14/2025 Closing Date 4/18/2025 5:00 PM Eastern + Description + Benefits + Questions Application Requirements In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application prior to the posting deadline. Applications submitted with incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. These applicants will be disqualified from consideration.The attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected.Education and work experience fields must be completed, regardless of the presence of an attached resume. Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed. The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the Minimum Requirements for this position as noted in the Job Description. We encourage all applicants to provide a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment history. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application. For questions regarding this posting, please contact Sherry Christman, Human Resources Analyst at ... .... Equal Employment Opportunities - It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law. Job Description GENERAL PURPOSE The Child Abuse Coordinator/Victim Advocate performs investigative work, at the full performance level, for the County's prosecuting function including responsibility for the development of a coordinated system, along with the Assistant District Attorneys, for the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases. In addition, this individual is responsible for the delivery of a broad array of services under the Victims Bill of Rights. SUPERVISION RECEIVED This position reports directly to the First Deputy District Attorney, Deputy District Attorney, and the District Attorney. SUPERVISION EXERCISED This position is responsible for the supervision over the following classification: Assistant Victims Advocate. ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION Establish a focal point within the Criminal Justice System for the coordination of sexual assault/child abuse investigations. Review all child abuse reports forwarded by the Children and Youth Agency to law enforcement. Provide assistance to law enforcement with their initial interviews of child victims. Provide consultation to law enforcement on assessing child abuse cases for prosecution, child credibility, and medical issues. Develop training standards and ongoing programs for investigation and interviewing in child sexual assault and abuse cases. Make appropriate referrals on behalf of child victims for counseling, etc. Expedite the prosecution of child sexual assault and child abuse cases through the Court system. Oversee compliance with the Pennsylvania Basic Bill of Rights for Crime Victims and being available for the victims of personal injury crimes, DUI, and burglaries, in assisting said individuals in terms of their rights under the Basic Bill of Rights for Crime Victims, and referring said individuals to appropriate community groups for counseling, if needed. Perform those duties as outlined by the Victims Bill of Rights pertaining to prosecutor's office. Establish a focal point within the criminal justice system to aid victims and witnesses and refer victims/witnesses to the appropriate services, counseling, and other resources. Update of reports to determine disposition and status of investigation. Establish contact between victim/witness services and the victim or victims' family as soon as possible after the incident in cases of serious personal injury or death so that a support system can be established. Provide emotional support and practical assistance to victims/witnesses through advocacy and accompaniment at criminal proceedings. Act as a referral source and liaison for victims who need further assistance in counseling, financial aid, housing, transportation, childcare, etc. Assist the adult probation department and the criminal division with compiling restitution data to be considered in court orders to restore victims to their pre-crime economic status. Work to facilitate the judicial process for victims and witnesses through employer intercession, transportation, and childcare services. Provide victims with information regarding case status and final dispositions. Assist the prosecutor's office with the coordination of victims and witnesses during trial and hearings. Provide support and court related services to victims including empathetic listening, guidance in resolving practical problems, advocacy with social service and criminal justice agencies, employer/creditor/school interventions, and explanation of/preparation for court procedures. Keep accurate records reflecting the types and extent of the services offered to victims and witnesses. Disseminate information to all appropriate agencies within the county regarding the availability and eligibility criteria of the Crime Victim Compensation Program and apprise those agencies of any statutory or regulating amendments affecting the Crime Victims Compensation Fund. Refer victims for assistance with claims to Crime Victims of the Lehigh Valley. Establish a working relationship with Police agencies, Adult Probation, Criminal Division, the Courts, Children and Youth, and/or any other agency dealing with crime victims. Stay informed concerning the availability of funding streams to enhance juvenile victim-witness services, prepare or assist in preparation of approved grant applications, as well as required documentation for grant continuation. Assist with the coordination and development of policies and procedures for the provision of service for victims throughout the criminal justice system including, but not limited to, law enforcement, probation, and prison system. Design brochures and policies to implement notification to include victims in all phases and aspects of the criminal justice system. Adjust to any changes in job related responsibilities as legislation or regulations may require, or as the District Attorney or local policy board may deem necessary. Assist Adult Probation by providing victim information for the Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) report to contact victims about the effect the crime committed by the defendant had upon the victim, including physical or psychological harm and financial loss. Provide and assist victims with filing or filling out brochures that notify victims of parole, furlough, or any other supervised or unsupervised release from full incarceration at either state or local levels and/or mental health facility. Accompany all child abuse, homicide victims, and other victims who request said services to all public criminal proceedings, and refer other victims to Crime Victims Council for accompaniment. Encourage and help all victims of personal injury crimes to write a victim impact statement or refer them to the Crime Victims Council or other agency for help in writing the statement. Inform victims in cases of personal injury, burglary, or driving under the influence that involved bodily injury, the availability of submission of prior comment to the prosecutor's office on the potential reduction or dropping of any charge or changing of a plea and to work with the Assistant District Attorney assigned to the case when this issue arises. *An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree with major course work in criminal justice, psychology, social work, counseling, or a closely related field, preferably supplemented by some background in child abuse investigation and assessment;AND At least two (2) years of full-time professional work experience in a relevant field. OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a closely related field. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of casework principles and practices. Knowledge of counseling methods and techniques pertaining to juvenile victims and their families. Knowledge of interview methods and techniques applicable to juvenile victims' families and representatives of other criminal justice agencies. Basic knowledge of the principles and policies of the juvenile justice system including laws, statues, and legal precedents. Basic knowledge of available community resources dealing with social, psychological, medical, economic, and other elements affecting juveniles. Ability to learn specific court rules and regulations in order to expedite prosecution of sexual assault and abuse cases. Ability to plan, document, and carry out all steps necessary to conduct comprehensive client assessment and evaluation. Ability to identify and locate sources of information about juvenile's background. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and complete caseload records for use by others. Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, members of the judiciary, attorneys, associates, other Court and County officials, and the public. Good public speaking skills and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of the basic principles of victim's assistance. Knowledge of human services systems, including county agencies, private and non-profit organizations, particularly in the victim's assistance arena. Working familiarity with the Crime Victim's Compensation Program and Claims process. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Accuracy in data entry and typing. Ability to use spreadsheets, databases, graphic and/or similar computer programs when required by work assignment. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Phone, personal computer including word processing and spreadsheet software, copy machine, fax machine and calculator. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. SELECTION GUIDELINES Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. FLSA STATUS: FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME) DESIGNATION: EXEMPT SERVICE PAY GRADE: CS/GR23 UNION STATUS: NON-UNION (APPOINTED) Updated April 2025 Full-time employees of the County of Northampton are afforded a package of benefitswhich includes the following: Medical Insurance Vision and Prescription Dental Life Insurance Retirement I. Medical Insurance Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plans varies by the coverage selection and number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. The employee may also elect to opt out of the County's medical insurance if proof of coverage through the spouse's employer is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual $1,500.00 opt out payment. II. Vision and Prescription Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. Coverage under the vision plan varies and depends upon the employee's choice of doctor and frame selection. III. Dental Coverage Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. IV. Life Insurance A life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees beginning on the first day of employment, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement. $20,000 is afforded to all eligible employees. V. Retirement All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1000 hours per year qualify for County of Northampton retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and employees may choose to add additional voluntary contributions, not to exceed an additional 10%. Additionally, employees may participate in an optional deferred compensation plan [457(b)] which may provide present tax advantages and future retirement savings. Such arrangements are made directly with the providers and the County will administer payroll deductions only. 01 Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the applicant screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application? + Yes + No 02 Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a closely related field? If yes, you must attach your college transcript(s) - unofficial copies are accepted. If you encounter difficulties in uploading this documentation, please reach out to Human Resources BEFORE the posting closes. Failure to provide transcripts will result in the rejection of your application. + Yes + No 03 Do you have at least two (2) years of full-time professional work experience in a relevant field? If yes, your work history section must include this experience to qualify. + Yes + No 04 Do you possess a Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a closely related field? If yes, you must attach your college transcript(s) - unofficial copies are accepted. If you encounter difficulties in uploading this documentation, please reach out to Human Resources BEFORE the posting closes. Failure to provide transcripts will result in the rejection of your application. + Yes + No Required Question