Victim Assistance Coordinator

Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph is seeking a part-time Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) to serve as a compassionate bridge of healing and reconciliation for individuals harmed by sexual abuse perpetrated by diocesan personnel. Guided by trauma-informed and victim-centered principles, the VAC coordinates outreach, pastoral support, and access to healing resources for survivors and their families. The role collaborates closely with the Executive Director of Journey to Bethany, a ministry of healing and justice, and the Ombudsman to ensure survivors receive understanding, respect, and practical assistance throughout their journey. The position averages 25 hours per week. The VAC provides an immediate, compassionate response to survivors, offers ongoing accompaniment and advocacy, and ensures consistent communication and documentation. The role coordinates pastoral and spiritual care, facilitates meetings with the Bishop or his delegate, supports survivor-led initiatives, manages counseling referrals, and develops a network of counselors, spiritual directors, and community resources. The VAC also supports healing programs and restorative practices in collaboration with Journey to Bethany, and partners with the Training and Compliance Coordinator on education for clergy, Church personnel, and volunteers. The position coordinates monthly peer support groups, workshops, and educational events. All employees must complete a background check, sign the Code of Conduct, and complete all safe environment training prior to hire.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field such as counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or victim advocacy.
Working knowledge of restorative and reconciliation-oriented practices.
Strong organizational and administrative skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and database systems.
Practicing Catholic with personal integrity and conduct consistent with the teachings and moral principles of the Catholic Church.
Deep understanding of trauma-informed and victim-centered care practices.
Commitment to healing, reconciliation, and restorative justice.
Compassionate interpersonal skills, including active listening and empathetic responses.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including nonjudgmental presence and survivor advocacy.
Ability to manage sensitive and emotional situations calmly and respectfully.
Ability to collaborate across diocesan departments, parishes, and community organizations.
Independent work ethic with discernment and accountability.
Complete a background check, sign the Code of Conduct, and complete all safe environment training prior to hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with survivors of abuse, faith-based ministries, or restorative justice programs.
Familiarity with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Ombudsman to provide an immediate, compassionate, trauma-informed response when survivors first report abuse.
Offer ongoing accompaniment and advocacy for survivors and their families as they navigate diocesan and civil processes.
Ensure timely and consistent communication, follow-up, and documentation of survivor interactions in the OCYP database.
Coordinate appropriate and responsive pastoral and spiritual care for survivors and their loved ones.
Facilitate meetings between survivors or family members and the Bishop or his delegate to promote dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation.
Support the Survivor Advisory Group and initiatives that elevate survivor voices and promote healing within the Church community.
Collaborate with Journey to Bethany to develop and support programs, events, and restorative practices that promote healing and justice.
Oversee the OCYP counseling referral process and ensure trauma-informed professionals and spiritual advisors are available to survivors.
Build and maintain a network of trusted counselors, spiritual directors, and community resources.
Provide survivors and families with educational and recovery materials, including recommended readings, faith-based resources, and Journey to Bethany programming.
Assist the Executive Director of Journey to Bethany in cultivating partnerships with mental health, victim services, and restorative justice organizations.
Partner with the Training and Compliance Coordinator to provide formation and education to clergy, Church personnel, and volunteers on trauma-informed ministry and survivor sensitivity.
Coordinate monthly survivor peer support groups, workshops, and educational events that nurture community and shared healing.