University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Victim Advocate Program Coordinator

Job Profile Title

Coordinator, Program

Job Description Summary

The Victim Advocate Program Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the mission of the Division of Public Safety’s Special Services Department. Reporting directly to the Director of Special Services, this position provides high-level administrative and program coordination while assisting with the delivery of critical advocacy, outreach, and support services for victims and survivors of crime. The coordinator works closely with the victim advocates, University based and other community partners to help ensure coordinated, accessible, and trauma-informed services. The position may support individuals affected by sensitive and traumatic incidents, including sexual violence, domestic or dating violence, stalking, harassment, and other crimes or emergencies.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, organized, detail-oriented and able to maintain confidentiality while working effectively in a fast-paced and occasionally high-pressure environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to victim-centered service, professionalism, and collaboration.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and program coordination support to victim advocates who provide direct services, support and outreach to victims and survivors of crime, including individuals affected by sensitive and trauma-related incidents.

• Serve in an on-call rotation and respond to after-hours needs and emergencies.

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Director of Special Services calendar management, meeting and appointment scheduling, correspondence, and maintaining departmental filing systems.

• Collaborate with Victim Advocates to develop, edit, coordinate, and support safety presentations and other outreach initiatives within the Penn community.

• Provide logistical and administrative support for departmental events, trainings, meetings, educational programs, and other initiatives.

• Assist victims in navigating the criminal justice system, including coordinating schedules and logistical arrangements for court proceedings and other related appointments.

• Coordinate with internal resource centers and external community and city agencies to facilitate referrals and promote comprehensive trauma-informed support for victim/survivors.

• Prepare departmental reports, presentations, correspondence and other documentation assemble documentation for submission to senior leadership and internal stakeholders.

• Provide or coordinate transportation to medical facilities for individuals requiring assistance as a result of victimization, medical or mental health crisis or other emergencies, in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

• Maintain, update and organize departmental collateral materials, manuals and procedures.

• Assist with tracking program activities, resources and other administrative data as needed.

• Coordinate office supply inventory, purchasing and procurement.

• Participate in required training and professional development related to victim advocacy, trauma-informed practices, crisis confidentiality and other relevant areas.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelors of Science or Bachelor of Arts and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in social services, victim advocacy, or administrative support in a related environment; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Familiarity with the criminal justice system and/or victim support services preferred but not required.

• Strong oral and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and attention to detail.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends and to participate in an on-call rotation is required.

• Valid driver’s license and the ability to respond quickly from home during emergencies.

• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and sign a confidentiality agreement.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Division of Public Safety

Pay Range

$24.21 - $29.81 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay