PFA Coordinator

Summary

The PFA Coordinator's primary responsibilities is to coordinate all aspects of the court's Protection from Abuse services to ensure compliance with the PFA Act, to include assisting litigants with PFA filings and accompanying parties to court. The position also provides administrative assistance to the Family Court division at the direction of the Family Court Administrator.

Essential Duties

• Generally, assist Family Court with scheduling, and other family court administrative matters as determined by the Family Court Administrator
• Compile and publish the monthly and annual PFA case flow report for Protection from Abuse petitions filed in Chester County and submit those finding to the Court Administrator and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
• Assist pro se litigants in the filing of Protection from Abuse (PFA) and Protection for Sexual Violence and Intimidation (PSVI) petitions as required in the PFA Act.
• Maintain the PFA filing packets to ensure accuracy of information and availability to the public to include forms available in hard copy, electronic copy and information available on county web site.
• Maintain accurate statistical data regarding the number of PFA litigants served and number of temporary/final orders issued
• Maintain and keep updated all PFA information and forms available to the public in hard and electronic formats.
• Explain the process to the Plaintiff, such as the petition, the order, the ex parte nature of the proceeding and the need to present testimony under oath in open court.
• Assist in the preparation of the petition and the narrative accompanying the petition.
• Research Plaintiff and Defendant in Courtview for outstanding Family Court Filings/Orders. Print out any custody orders or prior PFAs or other relevant documents to present to the Court at the time of the ex parte hearing.
• Present petition to Judge prior to the hearing and provide a brief overview of the matter or any issues the court should be aware.
• Accompany Plaintiff to Court when presenting the petition on the record.
• Arrange for service of PFA orders by Sheriff of Chester County and/or surrounding counties and states.
• File copy of Temporary Order and docketed order on the PFA Database (PFAD); write new court date in the calendar; enter information on computer calendar and update statistical data.
• Attend Miscellaneous Court on PFA days to be able to provide new hearing dates in real time to any case where a continuance has been granted.
• Docket the Event Results for all PFA matters
• Work in conjunction with the Legal Specialist and Family Court Administrator to assure the smooth administration and processing of the PFA matters.
• Participate in educational efforts to inform and update local organizations, including Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, Domestic Violence, CVC and police agencies as requested.
• Participate in CLE programs for the local bar association.
• Maintain cross-training with other family court staff.
• Reply timely to inquiries from other departments within the court regarding PFA issues and indirect criminal contempt cases.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Associate’s degree in business/public administration, management, criminal justice, or a closely related field, two years of job-related experience, or any combination of education, training, and experience.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and remain focused on daily operations.
• Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills.
• Accurate and detail oriented with effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team and proceed with objectives.
• Familiar with Pennsylvania Statutes, rules of court and court procedures.
• Ability to follow protocols to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Ability to use common sense understanding to carry out written and verbal instructions.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgement and an ability to make firm unbiased decisions.
• Knowledge of the PFA Act, court procedures, trauma informed principles
• Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple tasks to completion
• Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks.
• Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters.

• Paralegal certification or bachelor’s degree in business/public administration, management, criminal justice, or a closely related field.
• Three or more years of job-related experience, strongest preference for court roles or jobs working with domestic violence litigants
• Knowledge of court programs such as CPCMS, Courtview or PFAD
• Fluent in Spanish.
• Knowledge and understanding of Chester County Court policies and procedures.

Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic to Intermediate Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer).
• Intermediate Outlook Skills (email and calendar)
• Basic skills and knowledge with PFAD and the Court Management System.
• Ability to create electronic (fillable) forms

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Required to work with an emotionally charged public, which creates stress and tension.
• Will be working with people in crisis requesting a Protection from Abuse Order.
• Will work inside 100% of the time.

• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.