Victim Assistance Coordinator
Kansas City, MO
Status: Part-time, non-exempt
Reports to: Director, Office of Child and Youth Protection (OCYP)
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.
Requirements
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.
Apply Here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4149357/Available-Positions/Victim-Assistance-Coordinator
