<p>THE POSITION</p> <p>Are you ready to transform your passion for justice into a meaningful career that safeguards the rights of others? Joining our team as a Victim Services Specialist offers a unique opportunity to influence the landscape of advocacy across Pennsylvania by ensuring vital resources reach those who need them most. You will thrive in a professional environment that values procedural excellence and compassionate service, directly contributing to the integrity of our justice system. This role is perfect for a dedicated professional eager to facilitate systemic support and empower survivors through expert program oversight. Apply today to make a lasting impact!</p> <p>DESCRIPTION OF WORK</p> <p>As a Victim Services Specialist, you will coordinate the administration of vital federal and state funding initiatives, including the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), the Victims of Juvenile Offenders (VOJO) program, and the Rights and Services Act (RASA). Your work will ensure that victims receive essential support to manage the physical, emotional, and legal impacts of victimization while maintaining access to the justice system as guaranteed by Pennsylvania's Victims' Bill of Rights and the Juvenile Act. Your responsibilities will involve managing the complete grant lifecycle within the eGrants system, from drafting funding announcements and reviewing and recommending applications for approval to providing technical assistance and training to applicants. You will evaluate grant submissions and prepare formal summaries for the statewide Victims' Services Advisory Committee. Additionally, you will conduct virtual and on-site monitoring of funded projects to ensure compliance, documenting your findings in reports. Serving as a liaison to various criminal and juvenile justice workgroups, you will facilitate communication and advocate for high standards in victim services across the Commonwealth.</p> <p>Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.</p> <p>Work Schedule and Additional Information:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week</p> </li><li> <p>The following work hours are available:</p> </li><li> <p>8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch</p> </li><li> <p>8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch</p> </li><li> <p>Travel in- and out-of-state is required.</p> </li><li> <p>Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.</p> </li><li> <p>Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.</p> </li><li> <p>You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.</p> </li></ul> <p>REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY</p> <p>QUALIFICATIONS</p> <p>Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>Successful completion of the commonwealth's Criminal Justice System Specialist Trainee program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or </li><li>One year of professional experience in criminal or juvenile justice, law enforcement, or victim services, and a bachelor's degree in the social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field; or </li><li>An equivalent combination of experience and training. </li></ul> <p>Other Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. </li><li>You must be able to perform essential job functions. </li></ul> <p>Legal Requirement:</p> <ul> <li>You must pass a background investigation. </li></ul> <p>How to Apply:</p> <ul> <li>Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). </li><li>If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. </li><li>Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. </li><li>Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. </li><li>All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information. </li></ul> <p>Veterans:</p> <ul> <li>Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans. </li></ul> <p>Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):</p> <ul> <li>711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). </li></ul> <p>If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.</p> <p>The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.</p> <p>EXAMINATION INFORMATION</p> <ul> <li> <p>Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).</p> </li><li> <p>Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.</p> </li><li> <p>Your score is valid for this specific posting only.</p> </li><li> <p>You must provide complete and accurate information or:</p> </li><li> <p>your score may be lower than deserved.</p> </li><li> <p>you may be disqualified.</p> </li><li> <p>You may only apply/test once for this posting.</p> </li><li> <p>Your results will be provided via email.</p> </li></ul> <p>Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!</p> <p>See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.</p> <p>Health & Wellness</p> <p>We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*</p> <p>Compensation & Financial Planning</p> <p>We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.</p> <p>Work/Life Balance</p> <p>We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*</p> <p>Values and Culture</p> <p>We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.</p> <p>Employee Perks</p> <p>Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.</p> <p>For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.</p> <ul> <li>Eligibility rules apply. </li></ul> <p>01</p> <p>Have you successfully completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Criminal Justice System Specialist Trainee program?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>02</p> <p>If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.</p> <p>03</p> <p>Do you possess one year or more of full-time professional experience in criminal or juvenile justice, law enforcement, or victim services?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>no </li></ul> <p>04</p> <p>If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.</p> <p>05</p> <p>How much graduate coursework have you completed in the social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field?</p> <p>If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.</p> <p>If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.</p> <p>You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.</p> <ul> <li>30 credits or more </li><li>15 but less than 30 credits </li><li>Less than 15 credits </li><li>None </li></ul> <p>06</p> <p>You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.</p> <p>All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.</p> <p>Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.</p> <p>If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.</p> <p>If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li></ul> <p>07</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PREPARE AND PROCESS FUNDING REQUESTS</p> <p>Prepare and process funding requests for grant applications, project modification requests, and programmatic quarterly reports, submitted to or by government agencies and non-profit organizations for victim services program funding.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>A. I have experience preparing AND processing VICTIM SERVICES funding requests, project modification requests, and reports. </li><li>B. I have experience preparing AND processing any type of funding requests, project modification requests, and reports. </li><li>C. I have experience preparing OR processing VICTIM SERVICES funding requests, project modification requests, or reports. </li><li>D. I have experience preparing OR processing any type of funding requests, project modification requests, or reports. </li><li>E. I have NO experience related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>08</p> <p>In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. </li><li>The actual duties you performed related to preparing or processing requests or reports. </li><li>Your level of responsibility. </li></ul> <p>09</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - EVALUATE NEEDS AND DETERMINE REFERRALS</p> <p>Evaluate victim's needs to determine applicable referrals to various state and local social services programs. Refer individuals to the appropriate program for assistance.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>A. I have experience evaluating CRIME VICTIMS' needs to determine applicable referrals and referring individuals to the appropriate program/service for assistance. </li><li>B. I have experience evaluating any type of needs to determine applicable referrals and referring individuals to the appropriate program/service for assistance. </li><li>C. I have experience providing referrals to individuals in any setting. </li><li>D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>10</p> <p>In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. </li><li>The actual duties you performed related to evaluating needs. </li><li>The type(s) of referrals you made. </li><li>Your level of responsibility. </li></ul> <p>11</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - REVIEW DOCUMENTS AND COLLECT INFORMATION</p> <p>Review documents and collect information from victim services subrecipients during virtual or onsite programmatic assessments conducted to ensure compliance with awarded grant program requirements.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>A. I have experience reviewing VICTIM SERVICES documents AND collecting VICTIM SERVICES information to ensure program compliance. </li><li>B. I have experience reviewing VICTIM SERVICES documents OR collecting VICTIM SERVICES information to ensure program compliance. </li><li>C. I have experience reviewing documents to ensure program compliance. </li><li>D. I have experience collecting information to ensure program compliance. </li><li>E. I have NO experience related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>12</p> <p>In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. </li><li>The actual duties you performed related to collecting information and ensuring compliance. </li><li>Your level of responsibility. </li></ul> <p>13</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - DEVELOP, REVISE, AND PROVIDE TRAINING</p> <p>Develop and revise victim services training by drafting objectives, developing an outline, and preparing final course presentation deliverables. Provide training for victim advocates, law enforcement, district attorneys, and/or court personnel.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>A. I have experience developing and revising training, including drafting objectives, developing an outline, and preparing final course presentation deliverables; AND providing training for victim advocates, law enforcement, district attorneys, and/or court personnel. </li><li>B. I have experience developing or revising training, including drafting objectives, developing an outline, and preparing final course presentation deliverables; OR providing training for victim advocates, law enforcement, district attorneys, and/or court personnel. </li><li>C. I have experience developing or revising training, including drafting objectives, developing an outline, and preparing final course presentation deliverables; OR providing training. </li><li>D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to adult education or human resource management. </li><li>E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>14</p> <p>In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. </li><li>Your experience developing or revising training. </li><li>Your experience drafting objectives, developing outlines, and presentation deliverables. </li><li>Your experience providing training. </li><li>The audience to whom you provided training. </li></ul> <p>15</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.</p> <ul> <li>College/University </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>16</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE</p> <p>Respond verbally and in writing to inquiries and informational requests related to the application of policies and plans for victim service provision. Refer individuals to the appropriate area for assistance as necessary.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>A. I have experience responding to inquiries and requests related to VICTIM SERVICES policies and plans for victim service provision. I was responsible for providing answers and referring individuals to the appropriate area for assistance. </li><li>B. I have experience responding to inquiries and requests related to SOCIAL SERVICES policies and plans for victim service provision. I was responsible for providing answers and referring individuals to the appropriate area for assistance. </li><li>C. I have experience responding to inquiries and requests for policies and plans. I was responsible for providing answers and referring individuals to the appropriate area for assistance. </li><li>D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to speech or communications. </li><li>E. 0 I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>17</p> <p>In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. </li><li>The actual duties you performed related to providing assistance. </li><li>They type(s) of technical assistance you provided. </li><li>Your level of responsibility. </li></ul> <p>18</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.</p> <ul> <li>College/University </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>Required Question</p> <p>Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania</p> <p>Address 613 North Street</p> <p>Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120</p> <p>Website http://www.employment.pa.gov</p>