Victim Services Specialist - Criminal Justice System Specialist 1

Are you eager to apply your strong interpersonal and organizational skills to a meaningful, real-world impact? The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Victim Services Specialist. In this vital role, you will support the administration of programs designed to help crime victims navigate the challenges of victimization while providing guidance and access to criminal and juvenile justice processes. If you are eager to build on your current expertise, broaden your professional horizons, and contribute to the success of a vital statewide effort, we encourage you to apply today!

This position involves a wide range of staff responsibilities related to coordinating the administration of the federal Victims of Crime Act Grant Program, which supports victims in addressing the physical, emotional, and criminal justice-related challenges resulting from victimization. Funds are awarded to approximately 156 community-based, nonprofit victim service programs, as well as systems-based agencies operating across all sixty-seven Pennsylvania counties. Additionally, you will assist in administering the Victims of Juvenile Offenders Program and the Rights and Services Act Program. These programs ensure victims receive information about and access to criminal and juvenile justice processes in accordance with Pennsylvania's Victims' Bill of Rights, the Juvenile Act, the Pennsylvania Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure, and other related initiatives managed by the PCCD's Victims Services Program. Additionally, you will support the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, the Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, and the federal Violence Against Women Act Program. You will also engage directly with victims of crime and advocate for their rights as provided by law, collaborating with local agencies responsible for delivering these services.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, reporting to the office 1 day per a month and as needed. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the commonwealth's Criminal Justice System Specialist Trainee program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional experience in criminal or juvenile justice, law enforcement, or victim services, and a bachelor's degree in the social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
  

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.