V-STEP: Victim Assistance Certification Program Workshop

Intro to Maryland’s certification program highlighting the vital role of professional credentials in advancing victim services.

ROPER VICTIM ASSISTANCE ACADEMY OF MARYLAND (RVAAM), University of Baltimore

TITLE: Maryland Victim Assistance Certification Program (MVACP)

DATE & TIME:

Monday March 2, 2026 ~ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

SUMMARY

This training introduces participants to the Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland (RVAAM) certification program and emphasizes the importance of professional credentials in the field of victim services. It explores how certification enhances credibility, career advancement, and compensation opportunities while establishing a consistent professional standard across Maryland and beyond.
Participants learn about the three levels of certification, the renewal and upgrade process, and how continued education and ethical training are essential to maintaining high standards in victim advocacy. The session concludes with guidance on how to begin the certification process and encouragement to take the next step toward professional growth and recognition.

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the Purpose and Value
   Explain why professional certification is essential for credibility, job competitiveness, and advancement in the victim services field.
2. Identify Certification Pathways
   Describe the three RVAAM certification levels (Level I–III), including experience, training, and application requirements.
3. Recognize Renewal and Upgrade Procedures
   Understand the continuing education, ethics, and documentation requirements needed to maintain or advance certification status.
4. Connect Professional Development to Career Impact
   Evaluate how certification enhances compensation, recognition, and opportunities for further education and leadership roles.
5. Plan Next Steps
   Access resources and contact information to begin the certification or renewal process through RVAAM.

PRESENTER: Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII 410-638-4905 or bradleyd@harfordsheriff.org

Debbie Bradley, C.A., VSPIII (Ret.) retired in July 2025 after nearly 30 years of dedicated service to crime victims, serving as Victim Services Coordinator for the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit. She holds degrees in Paralegal Studies and Criminal Justice, with a concentration in victimology, and is a credentialed National Comprehensive Victim Intervention Specialist and Crisis Responder, as well as a Maryland Level III Victim Service Professional. She is also a certified instructor with the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission.

In 2011, Mrs. Bradley initiated the Maryland Certification Program for Victim Assistance Professionals. She brings extensive experience in crisis intervention, death notifications, ethics, and grief and loss, and has provided training to law enforcement, victim advocates, social workers, clergy, and allied professionals throughout Maryland.

TRAINING CONTACTS:

Anne Milun, VASIII, Program Manager, 410-837-5055, alitecky@ubalt.edu; Cherie Peay, Program Coordinator at 443-600-1621, cpeay@ubalt.edu; and Nicole Feldhaus, Technician, 410-274-4655, nfeldhauslitecky@ubalt.edu

Certificate of Training, Social Work CEUs and Academic Credits:

RVAAM selected curriculum has been approved for specific professions (e.g. social work, law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole) Upon completion of an online evaluation form, participants are welcome to request a Certificate of Training; Social Work Category I Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and/or academic credits. All participants are eligible to receive a Certificate of Training (1 credit per training hour).

2020 V-STEP: Regional Victim Services Advanced Trainings are held in 5 regional locations across Maryland. Please contact Anne Litecky, V-STEP Program Coordinator for information or to schedule a training at your agency or organization.

ROPER VICTIM ASSISTANCE ACADMEY OF MARYLAND

Victim Services Training Enhancement Program (V-STEP)…Bringing Crime Victim Training and Certification to Maryland Communities.

Victim Services Advanced Trainings (V-STEP) are held virtually and in 5 regional locations across Maryland. Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland (RVAAM) provides basic training twice a year (40 hour curriculum). For more information, please contact Anne Milun, V-STEP Program Manager for information or to schedule a training for your agency or organization.