Victim Advocate Program Coordinator

About the role

The Victim Advocate Program Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the mission of the Division of Public Safety’s Special Services Department. Reporting directly to the Director of Special Services, this position provides high-level administrative and program coordination while assisting with the delivery of critical advocacy, outreach, and support services for victims and survivors of crime. The coordinator works closely with victim advocates, University-based and other community partners to ensure coordinated, accessible, and trauma-informed services. The position may support individuals affected by sensitive and traumatic incidents, including sexual violence, domestic or dating violence, stalking, harassment, and other crimes or emergencies.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, organized, detail-oriented professional able to maintain confidentiality while working effectively in a fast-paced and occasionally high-pressure environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to victim-centered service, professionalism, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and program coordination support to victim advocates who provide direct services, support, and outreach to victims and survivors of crime, including individuals affected by sensitive and trauma-related incidents.
• Serve in an on-call rotation and respond to after-hours needs and emergencies.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Director of Special Services, including calendar management, meeting and appointment scheduling, correspondence, and maintaining departmental filing systems.
• Collaborate with Victim Advocates to develop, edit, coordinate, and support safety presentations and other outreach initiatives within the Penn community.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for departmental events, trainings, meetings, educational programs, and other initiatives.
• Assist victims in navigating the criminal justice system, including coordinating schedules and logistical arrangements for court proceedings and other related appointments.
• Coordinate with internal resource centers and external community and city agencies to facilitate referrals and promote comprehensive trauma-informed support for victims/survivors.
• Prepare departmental reports, presentations, correspondence, and other documentation for submission to senior leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Provide or coordinate transportation to medical facilities for individuals requiring assistance as a result of victimization, medical or mental health crisis, or other emergencies, in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain, update, and organize departmental collateral materials, manuals, and procedures.
• Assist with tracking program activities, resources, and other administrative data as needed.
• Coordinate office supply inventory, purchasing, and procurement.
• Participate in required training and professional development related to victim advocacy, trauma-informed practices, crisis confidentiality, and other relevant areas.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in social services, victim advocacy, or administrative support in a related environment; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system and/or victim support services preferred but not required.
• Strong oral and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends and to participate in an on-call rotation is required.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to respond quickly from home during emergencies.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and sign a confidentiality agreement.

Pay

$24.21 – $29.81 hourly. Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. Use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Tuition assistance for you, your spouse, and your dependent children at Penn. Dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth savings options and a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial time away from work for vacations, personal affairs, illness or injury recovery, and family time.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance to help cover costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community, or in a nursing facility. Eligible family members must provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personally and professionally.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, cultural centers, and recreational activities, often at no cost.
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and theme park admissions.
• Flexible Work Hours: Creative approaches for completing work while promoting work-life balance, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and job structures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, usable for closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement of eligible expenses for the legal adoption of an eligible child, including travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.