The posting
The Chief of the Victim Witness Services Bureau is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and administration of victim witness services within the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The Chief oversees bureau staff and operations to ensure that victims, witnesses, and their families receive comprehensive information, support, and advocacy throughout the criminal justice process.
The primary goal of the Victim Witness Services Bureau is to reduce the secondary trauma associated with victimization and assist in the successful prosecution of criminal cases by ensuring that victims and witnesses receive the rights, entitlements, and services mandated by the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B), as well as additional services provided through the policies of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
The Chief provides strategic leadership, guidance, and supervision to bureau personnel while maintaining an active role in complex and sensitive cases. This position works collaboratively with prosecutors, law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, and community organizations to promote a coordinated, victim-centered approach to services.
Primary Responsibilities
Provide overall leadership, direction, and oversight of the Victim Witness Services Bureau, including the supervision and management of all bureau personnel and administrative support staff.
- Directly supervise the Deputy Chief, Regional Victim Witness Supervisors, Post-Conviction Victim Witness Advocate, Elder Victim Witness Advocate, and Administrative Assistant.
- Establish and maintain consistent bureau practices, policies, and procedures to ensure the effective delivery of victim witness services throughout Middlesex County.
- Provide guidance, consultation, and support to bureau supervisors and advocates in managing complex, sensitive, and high-profile criminal cases.
- Maintain an active caseload, providing direct advocacy, crisis intervention, court accompaniment, and support to victims, witnesses, and their families as appropriate.
- Oversee and coordinate the assignment of all incoming homicide and motor vehicle fatality cases to ensure timely and appropriate victim and family services.
- Assign and coordinate cases involving potential conflicts of interest or other circumstances requiring specialized case management.
- Provide crisis intervention, outreach, information, and appropriate resource referrals to families affected by suicide.
- Serve as the designated Certifying Official for the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office regarding U Visa certification applications, reviewing requests and coordinating the certification process in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
- Oversee the recruitment, screening, interviewing, and selection process for Victim Witness Advocate positions, including providing hiring recommendations.
- Identify professional development opportunities and coordinate educational presentations, guest speakers, and training topics for monthly bureau staff meetings.
- Provide ongoing guidance, mentorship, and professional support to bureau personnel to promote staff development, accountability, and effective service delivery.
- Ensure that victims and witnesses are informed of their rights and receive appropriate notifications, assistance, and referrals throughout all stages of the criminal justice process.
- Collaborate with prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, court personnel, and community service providers to facilitate effective communication, coordination, and comprehensive victim services.
- Represent the Victim Witness Services Bureau at meetings, trainings, community roundtables, and interagency initiatives addressing victim rights and services.
- Identify opportunities to improve bureau operations, strengthen service delivery, and ensure consistency in victim advocacy practices across the office.
- Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the mission and operations of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, human services, or a related field, with significant professional experience in victim advocacy, social services, or the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including the ability to effectively manage personnel, support professional development, and oversee multiple operational responsibilities.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system, court procedures, victim advocacy practices, and the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B).
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and compassionately with victims, families, staff, law enforcement personnel, and criminal justice professionals.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive, confidential, and emotionally challenging matters.
- Experience providing crisis intervention and managing complex cases involving victims of violent crime and traumatic circumstances.
- Strong organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality.
- Ability to lead collaboratively, resolve conflicts, make informed decisions, and promote a positive and professional work environment.
- A sincere commitment to public service, victim rights, and the mission of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
- Knowledge of community-based resources and services available to victims and families throughout Middlesex County.
- Proficiency in general office practices, recordkeeping, and applicable case management systems.
- The sensitive and confidential nature of the work requires exceptional integrity, maturity, sound judgment, and strong personal character.
- A valid Massachusetts driver’s license is preferred, as travel throughout Middlesex County and the Greater Boston area may be required.
- A background check is required.
By submitting your application, you acknowledge the following:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. M.G.L. c. 149, § 19B.
You certify that the facts set forth in this employment application and attached resume are true and complete to the best of your knowledge and authorize the Middlesex District Attorney's Office to verify the accuracy of the education and employment information herein. You understand that falsified statements shall be considered grounds for discharge.
You understand that the Middlesex District Attorney's Office requires a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment, and that individuals other than those provided by a candidate may be contacted in the course of completing a full background and qualifications check.
Benefits
Vacation: with the ability to carry over up to two weeks each calendar year
Sick leave: unlimited accrual at a rate of 4.5 hours/bi-weekly pay period
Personal days: 3 personal days per year
Healthcare, Dental and Vision plans (both individual and family)
Retirement benefits
State pension benefits, vesting at 10 years of service
