Director of Victim Assistance - Archdiocese of Washington

Job Details

In compliance with Article I of the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Child Protection and Safe Environment Policy of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, the Director of Victim Assistance is appointed by the Archbishop to coordinate the pastoral care of persons who report that they are survivors of sexual abuse by diocesan clergy or church personnel in the Archdiocese of Washington. In addition, this role will provide outreach to parishes, schools and other ministries and will report to the Chief Operating Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implements the components of the USCCB Charter related to victim assistance.
• Receive allegations or disclosures of suspected physical or sexual abuse made against any ADW clergy, employee, or volunteer; or otherwise occurring in an ADW setting; notifies appropriate staff and prepares internal written documentation.
• Assists in making mandatory reports of alleged or suspected physical or sexual abuse to appropriate law enforcement and child welfare authorities, as needed.
• Collaborates with other ADW offices and locations in responding to allegations or disclosures of abuse.
• Work with ecumenical and secular organizations to share policies, best practices and ideas regarding assisting persons who have been harmed by those in service to the Church.
• Refers persons who report sexual abuse that occurred in other dioceses or religious communities to the appropriate assistance ministers.
• Creates highly confidential and sensitive documents and maintains confidentiality regarding all reports, records, and matters.
• Offers and provides support services to persons who report abuse by any ADW clergy, employee, volunteer or otherwise occurring in an ADW setting, whether recently or in the past.
• Facilitates healing of persons who have been harmed through a compassionate presence and pastoral response.
• Ensures timely and appropriate follow up with persons who have reported allegations of sexual abuse, their families, or other impacted persons.
• Monitors progress/process of person who have been referred for therapy and prepares internal reports as required.
• Participates in training and conferences for Victim Assistance professionals.
• Assists in preparing information for Archdiocesan Advisory Board regarding allegations or disclosures of abuse and ADW's response.
• Provides outreach to parishes, schools, other ministries, and offices as well as the public regarding reporting mechanisms and support and healing services available to parishioners and others.
• Assists parishes, schools and other ministries and offices in making reports of alleged or suspected abuse.
• Assists in the review and development of the ADW's safe environment policies.
• Provide information for the annual Safe Environment audit.
• Manages a budget, administrates office functions and support services for Victim Assistance.
• Completes any other tasks, assignments, projects, or requests as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with thorough knowledge and understanding of the faith that informs everyday life and work in the office.
• Ability to keep cases and reports discreet.
• Strong writing, communication and listening skills.

Experience and Education

• Master's degree in social work/counseling/psychology or a related field.
• Current counseling or LSW license in Maryland and DC, preferred.
• Experience in counseling and client support.
• Open to working with other secular and faith-based organizations to share best practices.
• Experience in developing outreach programs and listening sessions.
• Experience working well with a variety of professional colleagues, including senior leadership, clergy, lay ministers, employees at differing levels, and parishioners.

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Regular full-time employee (40 hours/week)
• Some evening and weekend hours to be expected

Travel

• This position may require occasional travel to meetings and facilities within the Archdiocese of Washington.
• Reliable transportation required.

 Archdiocese of Washington

 04/23/2024

 Hyattsville,MD