Court Advocate

POSITION: COURT ADVOCATE

JOB SUMMARY: The Court Advocate provides and conducts crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, information and referrals, and legal advocacy as well as assists with Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders. The Court Advocate assists survivors of domestic and sexual violence in navigating the legal process of obtaining PFA’s in Shelby, Coosa, and Clay Counties. The Court Advocate provides community education and awareness regarding domestic and sexual violence and serves as a liaison for emergency shelter residents needing court or legal advocacy. The Court Advocate works to ensure victim survivors understand the legal processes of the criminal justice system and are supported throughout the process. The Court Advocate also works collaboratively with other SafeHouse staff to present Lethality Assessment Protocol Training to law enforcement.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Works under the general direction of and is accountable to the Community Services Director and carries out responsibilities in accordance with SafeHouse agency standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, or closely related field preferred
• Dynamic public speaker
• Creative, strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects
• Experience working with law enforcement and the court system
• Minimum of three years of experience
• Ability to work with individuals in crisis and to manage related demands
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Self-starter internally motivated to complete projects and advance the role
• Ability to collaborate with others to advance goals
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows based computer application and database management
• Valid Alabama Driver’s License (or obtained within 30 days of hire date), automobile, automobile insurance and willingness to use said automobile in performing work duties.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Previous experience working with survivors of domestic violence particularly in a Court setting
• Work successfully with law enforcement, prosecutors and judges.
• Familiar with the Shelby County court system
• Experience in data collection and entry
• Spanish language proficiency

Interpersonal Communications

• Demonstrates positive interpersonal communication skills with an ability to manage timelines, goals, and quality work product
• Ability to make presentations to the general public when called upon
• High level of comfort working with individuals from various backgrounds
• Consistently demonstrates professionalism through both written and oral communications

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides information and supports victims in obtaining Protection from Abuse orders (PFA).
• Serve as a liaison between SafeHouse and law enforcement participating in the Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP)
• Conducts follow up to victims when an LAP is conducted
• Provides on-going support, crisis intervention, and advocacy for victims and their families throughout the criminal justice process.
• Conduct safety planning with victims and their families
• Provide referrals for victims to supportive services including housing, legal aid, counseling, supervised visitation, etc.
• Serve as a liaison for victim survivors in the emergency shelter in need of court advocacy
• Provides court accompaniment to PFA proceedings if needed
• Provides court accompaniment to hearings related to DV/SA
• Maintain client records, including records of services provided
• Assist eligible victims in obtaining benefits from Crime Victim Compensation.
• Attends weekly case review at emergency shelter and community office
• Prepare/provide monthly service reports for submission
• Work collaboratively with prosecutors, law enforcement and judges
• Promote and provide training, outreach and education regarding victim services
• Perform related duties as assigned
• Maintain regular office hours at the Shelby County Courthouse and as designated by supervisor

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires the physical mobility to sit and walk for moderate periods of time and to occasionally carry or lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

SALARY

$32,000

TO APPLY

Submit applications online via Indeed.com. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls please.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person