Chief, Victim Witness Services Bureau

Middlesex County DA's Office•Woburn, MA

About The Position

The Chief of the Victim Witness Services Bureau leads, manages, and administers victim witness services within the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The Chief oversees bureau staff and operations to ensure victims, witnesses, and their families receive information, support, and advocacy throughout the criminal justice process. The bureau’s goal is to reduce secondary trauma associated with victimization and support successful prosecutions by ensuring that victims and witnesses receive rights, entitlements, and services required under the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B), as well as additional services provided under office policies. The Chief provides strategic leadership, guidance, and supervision to bureau personnel and remains directly involved in complex and sensitive cases. The role collaborates with prosecutors, law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, and community organizations to promote coordinated, victim-centered services. Responsibilities also include supporting professional development, recruiting and selecting advocates, representing the bureau in interagency and community settings, and improving service delivery across Middlesex County. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and significant professional experience in victim advocacy, social services, or the criminal justice system. A valid Massachusetts driver’s license is preferred because travel throughout Middlesex County and the Greater Boston area may be required. A background check is required. Benefits include vacation, sick leave, personal days, healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement benefits, and state pension benefits vesting after 10 years of service.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, human services, or a related field.
Significant professional experience in victim advocacy, social services, or the criminal justice system.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including managing personnel, supporting professional development, and overseeing multiple operational responsibilities.
Comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system, court procedures, victim advocacy practices, and the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B).
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally and compassionately with victims, families, staff, law enforcement personnel, and criminal justice professionals.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive, confidential, and emotionally challenging matters.
Experience providing crisis intervention and managing complex cases involving victims of violent crime and traumatic circumstances.
Strong organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and multiple deadlines while maintaining quality.
Ability to lead collaboratively, resolve conflicts, make informed decisions, and promote a positive and professional work environment.
Commitment to public service, victim rights, and the mission of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
Knowledge of community-based resources and services available to victims and families throughout Middlesex County.
Proficiency in general office practices, recordkeeping, and applicable case management systems.
Exceptional integrity, maturity, sound judgment, and strong personal character.
A background check is required.
Applicants certify that application and resume information is true and complete and authorize verification of education and employment information; falsified statements may be grounds for discharge.
Prospective employees are subject to a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and a full background and qualifications check, which may include contacting individuals other than those provided by the candidate.
Applicants acknowledge that Massachusetts law prohibits requiring or administering a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment (M.G.L. c. 149, § 19B).

Nice To Haves

A valid Massachusetts driver’s license is preferred; travel throughout Middlesex County and the Greater Boston area may be required.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership, direction, and oversight of the Victim Witness Services Bureau, including supervision and management of bureau personnel and administrative support staff.
Directly supervise the Deputy Chief, Regional Victim Witness Supervisors, Post-Conviction Victim Witness Advocate, Elder Victim Witness Advocate, and Administrative Assistant.
Establish and maintain consistent bureau practices, policies, and procedures for delivering victim witness services throughout Middlesex County.
Guide, consult with, and support supervisors and advocates handling complex, sensitive, and high-profile criminal cases.
Maintain an active caseload and provide direct advocacy, crisis intervention, court accompaniment, and support to victims, witnesses, and their families as appropriate.
Oversee and coordinate assignment of incoming homicide and motor vehicle fatality cases to ensure timely and appropriate services for victims and families.
Assign and coordinate cases involving potential conflicts of interest or other circumstances requiring specialized case management.
Provide crisis intervention, outreach, information, and appropriate resource referrals to families affected by suicide.
Serve as the office’s designated Certifying Official for U Visa certification applications, reviewing requests and coordinating the certification process in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
Oversee recruitment, screening, interviewing, and selection for Victim Witness Advocate positions, including providing hiring recommendations.
Identify professional development opportunities and coordinate educational presentations, guest speakers, and training topics for monthly bureau staff meetings.
Provide ongoing guidance, mentorship, and professional support to bureau personnel to promote development, accountability, and effective service delivery.
Ensure victims and witnesses are informed of their rights and receive appropriate notifications, assistance, and referrals throughout the criminal justice process.
Collaborate with prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, court personnel, and community service providers to facilitate communication, coordination, and comprehensive victim services.
Represent the bureau at meetings, trainings, community roundtables, and interagency initiatives addressing victim rights and services.
Identify opportunities to improve bureau operations, strengthen service delivery, and ensure consistent victim advocacy practices across the office.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the mission and operations of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.