Title:  Corrections Victim Services Specialist

Overview

Are you passionate about supporting survivors of crime and making a meaningful difference in people's lives? Join the Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) as a Victim Services Specialist (VSS) and help ensure the rights, safety, and well-being of crime victims are upheld throughout the post-conviction process.

 

As a Victim Service Specialist, you will provide trauma-informed support services-including case planning, advocacy, safety planning, and information/referral-to victims and affected persons whose offenders are in the custody or under the supervision of the DOC. You'll work directly with individuals impacted by crime during critical times such as incarceration, reentry, and community supervision.

 

This dynamic role combines in-office responsibilities with meaningful fieldwork, allowing you to build strong community connections by working on-site at correctional facilities, field offices, and in the community. You'll serve as a key liaison between the DOC and Vermont's broader network of victim service providers, ensuring coordinated, compassionate care and effective information sharing.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver direct post-conviction support services to crime victims and affected individuals.
• Help deliver and develop trauma-informed consultation and training to DOC staff on best practices for victim communication and engagement.
• Help uphold victims' legal rights through the development and implementation of inclusive, victim-centered policies.
• Support victims' participation in processes such as Parole Board hearings and coordinate with DOC security to maintain confidentiality and safety.
• Support the Vermont Automated Notification Service (VINE), ensuring timely and accurate custody status updates to registered victims and stakeholders.
• Serve as a regional liaison, fostering collaboration with community organizations, criminal justice professionals, and statewide partners.

 

Why This Role Matters
Victim Services Specialists play an essential role in creating a victim-informed culture within the Department of Corrections-ensuring that systems not only meet legal obligations, but also treat individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect.

 

Who We're Looking For
We seek individuals who are:

• Compassionate, resilient, and committed to equity.
• Experienced in trauma-informed service delivery 
• Skilled in communication, advocacy, and cross-agency collaboration.
• Comfortable working independently in varied settings, including correctional facilities and community-based environments.

 

This position is part of a supportive and mission-driven team working to deliver services that align with the Agency of Human Services' four core practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships, and results orientation.

 

As of July 14, 2025, the step 1 rate for pay grade 24 will be $30.27 per hour.

Who May Apply

This position, Corrections Victim Services Specialist (Job Requisition #53017), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Meredith.Pelkey@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting or facility with frequent travel in a geographic region required, for which private means of transportation must be available. Incumbent must be able to interact, work, and deal with all levels of Department staff, the general public, offenders and state and local officials. Strong differences of opinion may occur in emotionally charged situations. Some meetings may take place within correctional facilities. Occasional work outside of normal office hours may be required.
 

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in criminal justice or human services field AND two (2) years or more at or above a professional (casework) level in a criminal justice field or the broad field of human services.

 

OR

 

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a human services field AND three (3) years or more at or above a professional (casework) level in a criminal justice field or the broad field of human services.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND six (6) years or more at or above a professional (casework) level in a criminal justice field or the broad field of human services.
 

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in the field of victim’s services and criminal justice.

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, pursuant to 20 V.S.A. 2056c or other applicable statutory authority, requires criminal record checks for all AHS positions, including motor vehicle driving record checks and national record checks where appropriate.

 

DOC PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Requirements

In accordance with federal regulation, any person applying for employment in the Department of Corrections must provide relevant information.  Previous institutional employers will be contacted and required to provide information regarding substantiated incidences of sexual abuse or resignation during a pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse.  By submitting this online job application, you certify all information furnished is true and complete.  The information you provide in accordance with this regulation may be used, and previous employers may be contacted for the purpose of investigating and verifying your work history.

 

Conviction History Requirements: Candidates who have any felony conviction record or who, within the past five (5) years, have been placed under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction must receive a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections in order to be considered for employment.  You may access the application and corresponding documents by clicking here.  Once you have completed the application, please send it directly to the hiring manager identified as the contact person in this job posting.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.