Child Abuse Coordinator/Victim Advocate

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