Employment & Internships

Child Abuse Advocate- New Posting 10/20/26

APPLICATION DEADLINE |

POSITION TITLE:  Child Abuse Advocate

REPORTS TO:  Director/Deputy Director of Victim Services and Chief of the Family Protection Unit

SUPERVISES:   N/A

SALARY:   $44,000.00

SUMMARY:

The primary goals of the Victim Witness Assistance Program are to: (1) assist victims in their recovery from victimization and restoring a sense of safety; (2) reduce the level of re-victimization associated with the aftermath of crime and participation in the criminal justice system; and (3) assist in the prosecution of criminal cases by ensuring that victims, witnesses, and families are afforded the rights and services mandated by the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. Chapter 258B) and by providing support, information, and advocacy throughout the court process pursuant to office policy.

Victim Witness Advocates (VWAs) are primarily responsible for the facilitation of crisis assessment and intervention, information and referrals, supportive counseling and court advocacy services to victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the criminal justice system. Advocates also offer referrals, education, and resources to individuals looking to connect to social service agencies. They provide emotional support and information about the criminal court process in the event of a criminal prosecution and provide consistent updates to families. VWAs must ensure victims receive the rights and services to which they are entitled under the Victim Bill of Rights.

The Child Abuse Advocates attend SAIN interviews at the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and work with the CAC staff and ADAs to provide comprehensive services to children and their families who are victims of violent crime.  The Child Abuse Advocates have both an investigative caseload and an active court caseload.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

  • Minimum of bachelor’s degree in victim services, criminal justice system, or related social service field.
  • Experience in child abuse, trauma, crisis intervention, case management, and safety planning.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
  • Strong desire to work in a collegial and team-focused environment.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and workplace etiquette.
  • Ability to work well in a high-pressure environment with multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality.
  • A sincere interest in the public sector, the work of the PCDAO, an overall understanding of the Criminal Justice System.
  • Strong personal character, integrity, judgment, and maturity.
  • A general knowledge of office practices and legal principles.

·       Strong written and oral communication skills.

 

Preferred:

·       Experience working with children who have been victimized or witnessed trauma

·       Experience in crisis intervention, case management, and safety planning

·       Working knowledge of resources and providers in Plymouth County.

·       Proficiency in a second language, preferably Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole or Vietnamese.
 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Attend SAIN interviews at the Children’s Advocacy Center
  • Orient and explain to victims, witnesses, and family members the court process and their rights throughout that process
  • Court accompaniment for victims, witnesses, and family members
  • Crisis intervention for victims, witnesses, and family members who are in need as a result of their victimization
  • Provide written and verbal notification to victims and witnesses regarding arrests, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, hearings, grand jury appearances, trials, defaults, dispositions, restitution hearings, sentencing, and appellate proceedings
  • Assess and evaluate victim needs and assist with referrals for appropriate services such as: community resources (housing, education, job training programs), emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocation; assistance with Victim Compensation applications; bail notification, etc.
  • Provide formal and informal education and training to criminal justice and community agencies regarding victim rights and victim witness services
  • Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team throughout investigation and all court proceedings
  • Safety plan with victims and families

·       Build and maintain relationships with agencies and resources that support victims
 
OTHER DUTIES:

  • Attend required training and other trainings relevant to Office functions.
  • Attend required supervision and staff meetings regularly.
  • Become familiar with and follow the provisions of the Office Personnel Policies.
  • Become familiar and model conformance with the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct.
  • Exercise respectful and professional behavior and communication with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel, and office staff.
  • Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate and efficient manner.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Internal and external applicants, as well as position incumbents, must be able to perform the essential core tasks either with or without the assistance of a reasonable accommodation (to be determined by the District Attorney’s Office on a case-by-case basis). If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact HR at (508) 894-2538.

The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office affords equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity or expression, genetics, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, political affiliation, veteran status or any other status that is protected by local, state or federal law.

Send your Resume and Cover Letter to:

plymouthda.jobapplications@mass.gov