THE POSITION

The Office of Victim Advocate has an opening for a Victim Assistance Coordinator within the call center operated by the Office of Victim Advocate. The Victim Assistance Coordinators working in the call center are professional victim advocates who provide information, assistance, advocacy, and referrals to crime victims throughout the Commonwealth. The desired applicant will have experience providing trauma-informed victim services and the ability to manage stressful situations. This position is in-house at our Harrisburg office without telework options. We are seeking a compassionate advocate with the ability to work independently and professionally respond to the needs of crime survivors.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position will perform numerous advocacy functions in support of the OVA mission including, but not limited to, assisting crime victims to provide comments before the Pennsylvania Parole Board and or the Board of Pardons, providing accompaniment throughout the criminal justice process, providing outreach information to crime survivors and local community service providers, and providing referrals to government, non-profit, and private organizations providing counseling, social service, and other support services to victims of crime. In this position you will also advise crime victims of their rights, support their involvement in the process, prepare petitions for the Victim Advocate on behalf of victims for the presentation to the Pennsylvania Parole Board, and generally advocating on behalf of crime victims.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 
  Full-time employment.
• Work hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• This position is eligible for retirement benefits at age 60 or 65.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of professional social service, counseling, or crisis intervention experience involving crime victim services, one of which must include direct services to crime victims, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, or a related area; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of professional social service, counseling, or crisis intervention experience involving crime victim services, one of which must include direct services to crime victims.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be willing and able to work in Dauphin County.
  
• You must have two (2) or more years of social service, counseling, or crisis intervention experience.
  
• You must have one (1) or more years of experience providing direct service to crime victims.
  
• You must have completed at least eight (8) hours of training in victim's related service delivery.
  
• You must have experience dealing with victims in crisis situations.
  
• You must have completed at least eight (8) hours of training in crisis intervention.
  
• You must have experience working in the criminal or juvenile justice system.
  
• You must have telephone hotline experience.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, six weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.