Director of Victim Services

Overview

General Summary Director of Victim (Survivor) Services is responsible for managing the Victim Services Division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. This involves supervising up to 50 employees, which include Victim Assistance Coordinators, translators, and support staff. The Director will interface with prosecutors and the leadership of the District Attorney’s office to assure a good working relationship between prosecutors, Victim Coordinators, and the victims of crime and their families.

The Director is responsible for managing a federal VOCA grant, and evaluates program performance to maximize efficiency and efficacy. It is expected that the Director of Victim (Survivor) Services liaises with victim advocacy community partners, attends and represents the District Attorney’s Office at meetings and events that support victims and survivors of crimes. The Director will conduct trainings as well as facilitate training inside and outside the District Attorney’s Office in the area of Victim Advocacy.

• Manage daily operations of Victim Services Division (approximately 45-50 advocates and support staff)
• Compile weekly, monthly, and quarterly statistical reports related to Victim Impact Statement activity (required by law) and the VOCA grant
• Prepare court orders, and track court-ordered HIV/STI testing (sexual offenses)
• Manage, prepare court orders, and track Mandatory HIV/STI testing (first responders)
• Review and approve Timesheets and Timesheet Revisions for division
• Conduct weekly meetings with Assistant Director and Team Leads
• Staff cases as needed with Assistant Director, Team Leads, and VACs
• Maintain Victim Information Management System (VIMS)
• Complete annual evaluations
• Represent VSD at internal and external victim advocacy meetings
• Provide training on victims’ rights and victim advocacy issues
• Address personnel issues and concerns

“Candidates hired without an active law license will not perform attorney-specific duties”

• Educate VACs on what Brady information is, how to spot it, and how to notify the prosecutor handling the case
• Manage Victim Impact Statement exculpatory information disclosures (because these are a statutory exception to the Michael Morton Act, and there is a very specific procedure that needs to be followed)
• Educate prosecutors and judges on a victim’s right to the VIS and allocution, explain the differences
• Review all U-Visa certification requests that do not automatically qualify under our guidelines (determine if facts align with a qualifying crime even if charge does not, review criminal histories, determine cooperation, etc.)
• Explain the laws under CCP Chapter 56A to prosecutors and judges, and make sure these rights are enforced
• Explain legal aspects of a case with VACs who are unfamiliar with a particular point of law

• Bachelor’s degree required with a minimum of ten years of experience in Victim Services/Advocacy.
• Candidates with relevant certificates or advanced degrees (Master’s, PhD, and JD) are encouraged to apply.

• This is a full time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary based on the business needs to the department.

• Salary Range: $124,800 - $149,000 annually. Placement within the range will be based on relevant experience and education.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Wellness programs
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Ten (10) days of vacation per year during the first five years of service (increases with tenure)
• Eleven (11) County holidays plus 1 floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care and Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Additional benefits may be available to regular full-time and eligible part-time employees:
• Retirement pension through the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS)
• Transportation assistance through the Metro Ride Sponsor Program

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual status updates. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by a recruiter. We sincerely appreciate your interest in joining our team.