The Court Advocate will assist victims of domestic violence with filing for protective orders, emergency protective orders, warrants, and other civil options. They will accompany victims to various court hearings, including protective order hearings, criminal hearings, custody hearings, divorce hearings, and any appeal hearings. Additionally, they will provide accompaniment to the Commonwealth or law enforcement for reporting domestic or sexual violence. The Court Advocate will work collaboratively with court personnel on criminal and civil cases involving domestic violence. They will also record data on all domestic violence cases reported by local law enforcement agencies and maintain agency data collection and record keeping for all court clients served. Furthermore, the Court Advocate will provide education, training, and outreach to allied professionals and the community about the agency and court advocacy services.

Position Responsibilities

1. Provide general program support and assistance as requested by immediate supervisor and Executive Director.
2. Assist victims of domestic violence in utilizing court services, such as General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, Circuit Court, Magistrate’s Office, Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, and Court Services Unit. Familiarity with civil remedies and comfort working with court staff and officials.
3. Collaborate with court personnel, including Commonwealth Attorney, Victim/Witness staff, Clerk’s Office staff, Court Service Unit Staff, and Court Deputies/Judges, to provide support and resources to domestic violence victims in the criminal justice system.
4. Provide follow-up, advocacy, and some case management to domestic violence victims who utilize the court process through phone, written communications, and personal meetings. Offer referrals and intake to legal aid and pro bono attorneys. Refer to appropriate agencies and other HSP programs.
5. Coordinate pro bono attorney options, Legal Aid's pro bono services, and other legal support options, including attorney referrals, legal hotlines, and university-based legal programming.
6. Assist with hotline and intake by providing crisis intervention and advocacy through crisis calls, walk-ins, or accompaniments to address the immediate needs of domestic/sexual violence victims. Provide backup for other staff as needed.
7. Monitor timely collection and maintenance of data.
8. Maintain performance measures as stated in grant obligations and work plans for the case manager and prepare required grant reports.
9. Participate in the training of student interns and volunteers as needed.
10. Attend all required staff meetings, training sessions, and community-based meetings.
11. Serve as on-call staff, as necessary and appropriate, to provide 24-hour response to local victims of sexual assault and domestic violence via phone or in person.
12. Work collaboratively with supervisor to educate and train all allied professionals related to court advocacy (e.g., law enforcement, court personnel, magistrates) on agency services, laws, and best practices for working with domestic and sexual violence victims.
13. Participate in evening and weekend activities, including emergency response, on-call duties, training sessions, and public awareness events.
14. Adhere to client confidentiality policy and maintain high standards of ethical and confidential practices regarding client, financial, and personnel records within the offices of Hanover Safe Place.

Performance Review: The Court Advocate will receive a 6-month review during the first year of employment by their immediate supervisor. Following the first year of employment, the Court Advocate will be reviewed annually by their immediate supervisor. Each review will include a self-evaluation process. The first 90 days of employment shall be considered a probationary period.

Qualifications

• College degree in human services or related work experience or a combination of both is required.
• Familiarity with the court system and civil and criminal options available to victims of domestic violence is necessary.
• Knowledge of the law related to family violence is important; however, this position will not provide legal advice to victims of domestic violence.
• Knowledge of local resources available to victims of domestic violence will be helpful.
• Experience and comfort with computers and data collection software is required.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to compile and present reports to groups of varying sizes.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• Skills in counseling and/or case management will be helpful, and the ability to respond empathetically and non-judgmentally to clients is necessary in this position.

Required Qualifications

• College degree in human services or related work experience or a combination of both is required.
• Familiarity with the court system and civil and criminal options available to victims of domestic violence is necessary.
• Knowledge of the law related to family violence is important; however, this position will not provide legal advice to victims of domestic violence.
• Knowledge of local resources available to victims of domestic violence will be helpful.
• Experience and comfort with computers and data collection software is required.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to compile and present reports to groups of varying sizes.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• Skills in counseling and/or case management will be helpful, and the ability to respond empathetically and non-judgmentally to clients is necessary in this position.