Associate Victims Assistance Coordinator

Location: Archdiocese of Los Angeles Catholic Center

Status: Exempt, Full Time

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Victims Assistance Coordinator (AVAC) extends the Church's concern and support for those who have been victims of sexual abuse by a priest, deacon, or individual representing the Catholic Church by providing pastoral outreach and other appropriate care. Due to the nature of this ministry and those served by it, in-person presence is required and fluency in English and Spanish (both oral and written) is necessary.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Because all Archdiocesan employees represent the Roman Catholic Church, they are expected to conduct themselves to the goals and mission of the Church in performing their work.

The AVAC has five primary areas of responsibility: 

• Receiving complaints of sexual abuse and initiating the process to respond to and document such complaints involving any priest, deacon, other employee or representative of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles or its parishes or institutions.
• Offering pastoral assistance to victims of sexual abuse and managing the ongoing care  offered to victims. 
• Interfacing with Victims Assistance Coordinator and VAM Case Manager with ongoing communication with the victim, their therapist, and others providing ministry to the victim.
• Providing clinical consultation and guidance on an as needed basis, in support of ADLA personnel dealing directly with disclosure or reasonable suspicion of abuse, e.g., when persons in parishes and schools report matters of familial or “other” non-church related matters. Supports ADLA personnel with assistance making mandated reports of suspected child abuse, referrals, and resources to support healing.
• Responds to complaints of sexual abuse to minors, elders or dependent adults by reporting to civil authorities as required by mandated reporting laws, according to the established guidelines outlines in the Process for Responding to Complaints of Sexual Abuse by the Archdiocesan Ministries. Thus, informs the appropriate Archdiocesan official upon receipt of a report and links victims to mental health and pastoral care as needed. 

Additionally, the AVAC will:

• Operating within a trauma-informed and person-centered approach to provide a safe setting for victim-survivors. Communicates appropriately regarding sensitive information, respecting privacy while facilitating thorough investigation and appropriate reporting to civil authorities. 
• Supports Spanish-speaking victims by facilitating communication between the victim and Archdiocesan officials or investigators, as needed.
• Identifies and vets possible service providers and ensures timely communications regarding treatment planning with mental health professionals contracted to provide trauma informed therapy to survivors, according to the ADLA Statement of Policy and Guidelines Concerning Therapeutic Services.
• Participates in ACC or community forums for the purpose of highlighting VAM’s work and enhancing awareness around sexual abuse.

Qualifications

MINIMUM  QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education and Experience 

Any combination of education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge, skill, and abilities, typically: 

• Master's Degree or its equivalent in Social Work (LCSW), Counseling (LMFT or LPCC) or Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D), or comparable in related field.
• Current licensure in California, appropriate to degree.
• Must be a person of faith and commitment to ministry.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of:

• Fluency in English and Spanish (written and oral)
• Expertise in trauma informed care
• Civil laws and regulations.
• Human behavior and mental health treatment methods, community systems and of resources for mental health care. 

Skills in:

• General management and administrative functions.
• Excellent listening skills.