Peer Crisis Responder (PCR)

Peer Crisis Responder (PCR)

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is the largest prosecutor's office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves more than 1.5 million citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. Our Assistant District Attorneys are dedicated to public service, public safety, and justice for all involved in the criminal justice system. The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office in particular, is committed to several citywide collaborations aimed at improving public safety and reforming the criminal justice system.

**Please note that effective September 1, 2021, the City of Philadelphia requires all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. To attain a job with the city, you must be a City of Philadelphia resident within 6 months (180 days) of hire and able to work completely in the office.**

Summary of Job

The DAO's C.A.R.E.S. Unit's Homicide Responders Immediate Response Team Member will provide Crisis support and intervention immediately in the aftermath of a homicide in Philadelphia. The Immediate Responders will provide short-term support to survivors and co-survivors as they cope with their trauma in the immediate aftermath of homicide and will supply any immediate assistance as needed. They may provide crisis support at the hospital or the location of the family in collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department and the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office Executive Team. When requested, PCR may assist with the death notification process. Peer Crisis Responder (PCR) will be an individual who identifies as a survivor or co-survivor of homicide and/or has experienced homicide in their own family or community. PCRs will continue to work with survivors and co-survivors of homicide following the immediate response intervention to develop a comprehensive support plan. As the nature of homicide is unpredictable, the PCR will need to have the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Immediate deployment to the scene, hospital, and location of the survivor(s)/ co-survivor(s) upon notification of a homicide. Gather as much content and pertinent information from the survivor(s)/ co-survivor(s), law enforcement, and community as possible to ensure high-quality victim services and support.
2. Work collaboratively with the DAO's Victim Services Unit and Relocation Unit, along with our external victim services partners, to provide compassionate support and immediate follow-up for survivors and co-survivors of homicide.
3. Help the family identify needs and develop a Support Plan.
4. Assist families with navigating criminal justice and social services systems.
5. Manage each family's plan:
   1. Keeping track of the timeline and following through on support plan goals
   2. Providing advocacy with appropriate
   3. Facilitating services and referrals
   4. Maintaining accurate documentation
6. Work closely with the DAO's C.A.R.E.S. Unit's management team on support plans.
7. Capacity and/or willingness to learn the data entry program and use of electronic devices to maintain the safety and confidentiality of client profiles and information.
8. Meet with the DAO's C.A.R.E.S. Unit's Management team for meetings and team case reviews.
9. Participate in required training and other activities.

Skills & Qualifications

• Lived experience as a survivor or co-survivor of homicide is required.
• Be available to work varying shifts (This is a 24-hour, 7-day per week position, including holidays and weekends).
• Must have a reliable vehicle and a valid driver's license, and insurance.
• Must be able to arrive on-site within an hour of the initial call to respond.
• Participate in briefings before and debriefings after the response to obtain accurate information and to assist in developing a planning strategy for the 45-day case management process.
• Participate in all required trainings.
• Intermediate-level skills with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Input data into the management system immediately after a response in preparation for case management.
• Coordinate the response with an assigned team member (2-person teams will be deployed).
• Be able to complete an immediate assessment of the safety and security of the family.
• Ability to multitask, as there may be multiple family members on-site.
• Adequately be able to provide information to the family as needed.
• Participate in case review meetings with the DAO's C.A.R.E.S. Unit's management team.
• Other responsibilities as directed by the DAO's C.A.R.E.S. Unit's management team.

Rewards/Benefits

This is an exempt employee with the City of Philadelphia. Immediately upon assuming office, the new hire will receive benefits similar to those of other City of Philadelphia employees, including the below benefits:

• Generous retirement savings options available (pension plan, etc.)
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program-qualified employer
• We offer comprehensive health coverage (medical, vision, prescription, and dental) for employees and their eligible dependents
• Annual paid time off (PTO) package: 10 vacation days, 15 sick leave days, 11 paid holidays, 5 annual administrative leave
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Before tax commuter program
• Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Sick leave bonuses and exchanges
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Applications will be active for one year from the date of receipt by the Office. All exempt employees of the District Attorney's Office are at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. The at-will relationship shall not be modified for any employee and no agreement, oral or written, shall be entered into that changes the at-will relationship.

**The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status.**