Description
Position Objective
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is seeking a Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) who will be responsible for coordination of efforts providing compassionate outreach, support and resources to survivors and their families in cases of sexual abuse perpetrated by diocesan personnel. The VAC collaborates closely with the Executive Director of Journey to Bethany, a program designed to serve those harmed by clergy sexual abuse through actions of healing and justice. This position is part time, averaging 12-15 hours per week.
Essential Duties
- Collaborate with the Ombudsman in responding with care and support to survivors when they make an initial report of abuse to the Diocese.
- Accompany and coordinate ongoing support to survivors while navigating through the diocesan investigative process as it relates to their case.
- Assure timely and appropriate follow-up, support, information, etc. with the survivor, family and any other appropriate persons. Document contacts in OCYP database.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding all cases and matters under the purview of the OCYP as well as related documents, calls, files and related information.
- Coordinate appropriate and responsive ongoing pastoral care to survivors of sexual abuse and family members through verbal and written communication.
- Oversee the OCYP counseling referral process.
- Create and maintain contacts for spiritual guidance referrals to survivors and their families.
- Coordinate and provide support for personal meetings between survivors/family members and the Bishop or his delegate.
- Accompany victim/survivors or read their impact statement to Review Board when requested.
- Coordinate services such as spiritual assistance, support groups and Journey to Bethany program offerings that promote ongoing healing and promote justice for survivors.
- Partner with the Training and Compliance Coordinator to provide initial and ongoing education to newly ordained clerics.
- Coordinate monthly peer support group, presenters and logistics for meetings and workshops and membership and meetings for the Survivor Advisory Group.
- Share educational resources to survivors including recommended books, websites and other reference materials.
- Assist the Executive Director for Journey to Bethany in building relationships with mental health and sexual abuse recovery organizations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Promote valued relationships and collaborative interactions.
- Work well with a variety of stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills that include active listening, nonjudgmental presence and survivor advocacy.
- Able to work with people in crisis and remain calm in stressful situations.
- Ability to teach others about trauma and being trauma informed.
- Handle sensitive issues with confidentiality.
- Work independently with confidence and minimal managerial oversight.
Basic Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in human services field such as organizational behavior, sociology, education or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience
- Experience with trauma-informed practices, crisis intervention strategies and de-escalation techniques.
- Intermediate to advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and ability to learn customized database software
- Practicing Catholic with ethical standards, personal integrity, and conduct consistent with the morals and teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Ability to use personal vehicle to travel as needed
Preferred:
- Knowledge of Restorative Justice practices
- Knowledge of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and Essential Norms
Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person training prior to hire.
