Victims Assistance Coordinator

The Victims Assistance Coordinator (VAC) serves at the point of contact of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), for victims of child abuse consistent with the AMS's Policy to Address Claims of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth. The VAC's mission is to coordinate therapeutic care and services for victims in their healing journey and to promote reconciliation between victims and the Church.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Provides timely and compassionate care to victims of child abuse consistent with the AMS's Policy to Address Claims of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. In particular, the VAC receives allegations of abuse of minors, reviews the need for immediate care for victims and their families, and assists the AMS in providing or securing necessary care.

2. Maintains a dedicated phone line that is published on the AMS's website and literature, for victims to contact the VAC directly.

3. Serves as the liaison between the AMS and victims, the VAC makes all allegations of abuse immediately known to the AMS General Counsel and Vicar General. Together they will review the competent parties with jurisdiction in each particular case.

4. The VAC interacts with victims assistance coordinators of an accused cleric's diocese or religious community of incardination. The VAC may also work with victims assistance coordinators in the diocese where a victim resides.

5. Attends all Archdiocesan Review Board meetings to present any current or historic allegations involving minors, or claims that pertain to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth.

6. Assists in the preparation of the AMS's annual audit of compliance with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth, and the AMS Policy for Addressing Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

7. Creates and maintains records of all allegations.

8. Maintains confidentiality concerning allegations and Archdiocesan review, except as required by law for the prompt reporting of any allegation to the appropriate civil authorities.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree and professional education, graduate level studies, or graduate degree in social work, psychology, counseling psychology or similar field. Prefer LCSW or LMFT
• Minimum five years work experience with progressively more important responsibilities.
• Must have experience in case management, counseling, administration, report writing, and advocacy.
• As a representative of the Church in the process of healing and reconciliation, the VAC must be a practicing Catholic in good standing.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of civil laws related to mandated reporting, and privacy rights of victims and clerics. Knowledge of professional ethics and HIPPA requirements regarding receipt and handling of personal and confidential information
• Ability to carry out all responsibilities with honesty, integrity, professionalism, balance, empathy, sensitivity, and patience.
• Ability to gather information needed to help the Archdiocese's Vicar General and General Counsel discern appropriate next steps according to the Charter, Archdiocesan policies, and state/federal reporting requirements
• Experience interviewing, victims or witnesses, records management, and computer use.

Disclaimer:
The Archdiocese is a religious institution and religious employer. The Victims Assistance Coordinator shares in the mission to spread the Gospel, to serve our sisters and brothers, and to build up the Body of Christ, which is the Church. As such, the VAC, both at work and in daily life, must respect, appreciate, and uphold the teachings, principles, legislation, policies, and traditions of the Catholic Church in word, lifestyle, and example. As partners in Christ, our work is not only occupational but vocational: a call to defend life and improve its quality by bearing witness to the presence of Christ and His Church in the World.