Victim/Witness Coordinator- Juvenile Unit

Victim/Witness Coordinator- Juvenile Unit

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.

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.

Operational Flexibility and Unit Assignment: 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.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Assist in communicating plea offers, consent decrees, diversion opportunities, and proposed case resolutions to victims when appropriate and obtain victim input for consideration by the assigned assistant district attorney.
• 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.
• Assist victims in applying for Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) benefits and provide guidance regarding restitution and reimbursement for witness fees, when applicable.
• Coordinate practical assistance including transportation, interpreter services, employer/school interventions, childcare referrals, and recovery of personal property held as evidence.
• Assist victims in preparing Victim Impact Statements and ensure victims are afforded opportunities to participate throughout the juvenile justice process.
• Address reports of victim or witness intimidation, harassment, or retaliation by coordinating with prosecutors and law enforcement to promote victim safety.
• Advocate for victims while recognizing the rehabilitative framework and confidentiality requirements of the juvenile justice system.
• Maintain accurate case documentation, case notes, referrals, victim contacts, and required statistical reporting in accordance with office policies and grant requirements.
• Collaborate with juvenile j