Victim Assistance Coordinator

Job Description

Salary: Contract Negotiable

Overview

The Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) is a contractual remote job. The VAC

assists the Delegate for Abuse and Clergy Misconduct in implementing the Archdioceses Policy on the Protection of Children and Young People from Sexual Abuse. The VAC is also the first point of contact in the Archdiocese for victims of sexual abuse by clergy, employees, and volunteers. Working with professional counselors and/or the appointed Spiritual Directors of the Committee for the Abused Survivors, the VAC obtains the necessary background information, coordinates assistance to victims, and establishes and maintains individual cases for each victim.

Functions

1. The VAC, along with all clergy, employees, and volunteers, is required to comply with church and civil procedures and laws, and all Archdiocesan policies. Accordingly, all are mandated reporters, and upon becoming aware of actual, alleged or suspected abuse or neglect of minors, must make a report to civil authorities.

2. Be available to persons reporting sexual abuse including monitoring the hotline and email notifications, with a response time not to exceed 24 hours and sooner depending on the urgency.

3. When an abuse allegation has been made, the VAC will promptly contact the complainant to obtain information required for a report to civil authorities, and the written intake report that must be provided to the Delegate; and as requested to the Vicar General, Chancellor, or Archbishop.

4. The VAC will offer appropriate assistance to the alleged victim inclusive of spiritual guidance and professional counseling at case initiation and for long as the victim expresses the need for this support. Appropriate assistance includes referrals to support groups.

5. Attend meetings of the Independent Review Board (IRB).

6. Present each new case to the IRB and advocate for the victim.

7. Receive and follow through with IRB recommendations in coordination with the Delegate; and as appropriate with the Vicar General, Chancellor, or Archbishop.

8. The VAC will create and maintain files for each victim and as requested by the Delegate, Vicar General, Chancellor, or Archbishop, provide case reports.

9. Case files must include the VACs legible case log and notes, copies of all case-related forms including, if applicable, the Child Abuse and Neglect Referral (Part I) form submitted to Child Protective Services, accurate records of therapist assignments or coordination, assessments, recommendations, billings and receipts, and all other related documentation while protecting the confidentiality of information.

10. Collect, manage, prepare and submit data reports such as for the USCCB Safe Environment Compliance data collection audit.

11. Other applicable duties as assigned by the Delegate, Vicar General, Chancellor, or Archbishop.

Requirements

A. Bachelors degree and professional education, graduate level studies, or graduate degree in social work, psychology, counseling psychology or similar field. LCSW or LMFT preferred.

B. Minimum five years work experience with progressively more responsibilities in case management, counseling, office management and administration, report writing and presentations, oral communication and advocacy.

C. Knowledge and understanding of civil laws related to privacy rights of victim and accused as well as mandated reporting, and the role of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in responding to child abuse allegations.

D. Knowledge of professional ethics and HIPPA requirements regarding receipt and handling of personal and confidential information.

E. Ability to carry out all responsibilities with honesty, integrity, professionalism, balance, empathy, sensitivity and patience.

F. Ability to gather information need to help Delegate, Vicar General, Chancellor, Archbishop, canon lawyers, and Archdiocesan legal counsel discern appropriate next steps according to Archdiocesan policy, church and civil law.

G. Knowledge of medical billing and coding for psychological services is a plus, or willingness to learn.

H. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, presentation, large and small group facilitation, training, and workshops.

I. Skills in interviewing, victims/witness support, records management, and database use and management.

J. Deep faith, with great care and concern for the Roman Catholic Church.

K. Practicing Catholic who has the ability to articulate knowledge of the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings, and to exhibit awareness and understanding of the vision and mission of the Archdiocese.

Compensation: Professional contract with retainer fee for negotiable number of applied hours, billable for additional hours worked.

remote work