Crime Victim Compensation Specialist (Criminal Justice System Specialist 1)

Full Job Description

Are you ready to transform your passion for restorative justice into a rewarding career that provides a financial lifeline to Pennsylvanians in their time of greatest need? The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is seeking a Crime Victim Compensation Specialist to join their amazing team. You will serve as a vital catalyst within the justice system, ensuring that compassion and fiscal expertise come together to protect the rights of victims across the Commonwealth. Apply now to lead the way in victim compensation!

Requirements

As a Crime Victim Compensation Specialist, you will provide financial reimbursement and guidance to victims of crime, their families, and other eligible claimants. Your core responsibilities involve managing the full lifecycle of a claim, including detailed investigation, determination, and disposition. This work entails verifying and calculating out-of-pocket losses and lost earnings for new and supplemental filings while ensuring all court-ordered restitution is accurately tracked through coordination with appropriate entities or the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC). Additionally, you will analyze complex claims to prepare summaries that support the decision-making process, consulting with program supervisors and legal counsel as needed. You will maintain professional correspondence with claimants and providers, ensuring all interactions are consistent with victim service theory and legal standards. Furthermore, you will serve as a technical resource across the Commonwealth by providing on-site assistance to victim service programs, helping them implement or improve the delivery of direct compensation services to those in need.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.

Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, reporting to the office 1 day per month and as needed.

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.

• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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
• 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
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• 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.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

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).

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.

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

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.

Veterans:

• 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.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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.

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.

Additional Information

• 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).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.