Victim Assistance Coordinator

Description

 Position Objective

The Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph is seeking a part-time Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) to serve as a compassionate bridge of healing and reconciliation for individuals harmed by sexual abuse perpetrated by diocesan personnel. Guided by trauma-informed and victim-centered principles, the VAC coordinates outreach, pastoral support, and access to healing resources for survivors and their families, while collaborating closely with the Executive Director of Journey to Bethany, a ministry of healing and justice, and the Ombudsman to ensure survivors are met with understanding, respect, and practical assistance throughout their journey. This is a part-time position averaging 25 hours per week.

Essential Duties

· Initial Response and Support

o Collaborate with the Ombudsman to provide an immediate, compassionate, and trauma-informed response when survivors first report abuse.

o Offer ongoing accompaniment and advocacy for survivors and their families as they navigate diocesan and civil processes.

o Ensure timely and consistent communication, follow-up, and documentation of survivor interactions in the OCYP database.

· Healing and Reconciliation

o Coordinate appropriate and responsive pastoral and spiritual care for survivors and their loved ones.

o Facilitate meetings between survivors/family members and the Bishop or his delegate, promoting opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation.

o Support the Survivor Advisory Group and other initiatives that elevate survivor voices and promote healing within the Church community.

o Work collaboratively with Journey to Bethany to develop and support programs, events, and restorative practices that promote healing and justice.

· Resources and Referrals

o Oversee the OCYP counseling referral process, ensuring that trauma-informed professionals and spiritual advisors are available to survivors.

o Build and maintain a network of trusted counselors, spiritual directors, and community resources.

o Provide survivors and families with access to educational and recovery materials, including recommended readings, faith-based resources, and Journey to Bethany programming.

o Assist the Executive Director of Journey to Bethany in cultivating partnerships with mental health, victim services, and restorative justice organizations.

· Education and Collaboration

o Partner with the Training and Compliance Coordinator to provide formation and education to clergy, Church personnel, and volunteers on trauma-informed ministry and survivor sensitivity.

o Coordinate monthly survivor peer support groups, workshops, and educational events that nurture community and shared healing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Deep understanding of trauma-informed and victim-centered care practices.

· Commitment to principles of healing, reconciliation, and restorative justice.

· Compassionate interpersonal skills with the ability to listen actively and respond with empathy.

· Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

· Effective written and verbal communication skills, including nonjudgmental presence and survivor advocacy.

· Capacity to manage sensitive and emotional situations calmly and respectfully.

· Ability to collaborate across diocesan departments, parishes, and community organizations.

· Independent work ethic with discernment and accountability.

Basic Qualifications

Required:

· Bachelor’s degree in a human services field such as counseling, social work, psychology, education, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Demonstrated experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or victim advocacy.

· Working knowledge of restorative and reconciliation-oriented practices.

· Strong organizational and administrative skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and database systems.

· Practicing Catholic with personal integrity and conduct consistent with the teachings and moral principles of the Catholic Church.

Preferred:

· Experience working with survivors of abuse, faith-based ministries, or restorative justice programs.

· Familiarity with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms.

Note: All employees must complete a background check, sign the Code of Conduct, and complete all safe environment training prior to hire.