Introduction
Delaware's Attorney General, the State's chief law enforcement officer, has a broad responsibility to combat crime, uphold civil rights, safeguard families, fight fraud, and protect consumers in the First State.
In meeting this mission, Attorney General Kathy Jennings is supported by teams of talented lawyers and staff in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Fraud and Consumer Protection, and Civil Rights & Public Trust Divisions.
Each of the more than 500 staff who work in the Office of the Attorney General are dedicated to serving all Delawareans with integrity and passion. Deputy Attorneys General, with critical support from criminal investigators, victim service specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff, prosecute criminal cases, enforce consumer laws, provide counsel to state agencies, ensure the public's access to open government, protect the abused, and much more.
Summary Statement
The Delaware Department of Justice is seeking a Director of Victim Service Specialists to meet the increasing need for comprehensive victim support in felony and misdemeanor cases. This role is integral to advancing a fair, just, and victim-centered criminal justice system through the delivery of outstanding support and advocacy. This position offers a unique opportunity to enhance and expand the Department's efforts in providing exceptional services and resources to victims and the professionals who serve them.
Essential Functions
As the Director of Victim Service Specialists, you will provide strategic leadership, management oversight, guidance, and supervision to a multidisciplinary team of Victim Service Specialist (VSS) staff, ensuring the effective delivery of trauma-informed services to victims and witnesses. You will collaborate with Deputy Attorneys General statewide to support victims and witnesses, ensuring comprehensive advocacy and assistance.
Responsibilities:
Supervision and Team Management:
- Provide effective leadership, guidance, and supervision to the VSS' within the Department of Justice.
- Conduct regular team meetings to facilitate communication and address challenges.
- Support professional development and training initiatives for the social work staff.
Case Management and Coordination:
- Oversee the provision of trauma-informed victim services to victims and witnesses in felony and misdemeanor cases within the DOJ.
- Facilitate collaboration and communication between victim service specialists, legal professionals, and court personnel across divisions.
- Assess needs in each Division and County to determine where to appropriately funnel resources and personnel.
Victim and Witness Support:
- Ensure timely and empathetic notification of victims and witnesses regarding criminal case statuses, court dates, and hearing results.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of victim and witness support services in all divisions.
- Oversee the interviewing process of victims and witnesses to gather case facts and identify individual needs.
Education and Advocacy:
- Assist with the prosecution of cases by educating victims and witnesses about the criminal justice process, the Victim Bill of Rights, and preparing them for trial.
- Advocate for victim input and participation in accordance with legal requirements.
Referrals and Documentation:
- Ensure the timely and appropriate referral of victims and witnesses to external agencies for additional support services.
- Oversee the preparation and maintenance of documentation related to victim contacts.
- Compile and analyze statistical data to prepare reports as required.
Job Requirements
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
- Master’s degree in social work or related field.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent licensure.
- Proven experience in managing and leading social work teams.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, victim advocacy, and the criminal justice system.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Must have significant experience with supervisory and administrative duties including the implementation of policies and practices, administering personnel evaluations and corrective action, budget reporting and operating procedures and implementing contracts.
- Must have experience in developing and implementing projects, preferably related to victims.
- Must possess considerable knowledge of victimology, psychology, community resources, the role and function of prosecution, and the criminal justice system.
- Must be able to effectively problem solve and make decisions.
- Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Must be able to work effectively and efficiently in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
Conditions of Hire
- Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
- Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits
Department of Justice Benefits Include:
- May be eligible Loan forgiveness (State and Federal).
- State of Delaware healthcare plan.
- State of Delaware pension plan.
- Over 4 weeks of vacation per year.
- 3 weeks of paid sick leave per year.
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.