Court Advocate

Position: Court Advocate

Scope: To provide trauma-informed advocacy, support, and court accompaniment services to survivors of domestic violence navigating the legal system in Hampton, VA and/or Newport News, VA. This position assists survivors with protective orders, court processes, safety planning, referrals, and coordination with community partners while promoting survivor autonomy, safety, and empowerment. The Court Advocate serves as a liaison between survivors and court-related systems, including law enforcement, prosecutors, victim witness programs, and legal service providers. In addition to courthouse advocacy, this role participates in outreach, prevention education, and community engagement efforts related to domestic violence awareness and law enforcement collaboration.

Essential functions: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below.

Court Advocacy & Survivor Support

• Provide trauma-informed advocacy and emotional support to survivors involved in criminal, civil, and/or protective order proceedings.
• Assist survivors with filing protective orders, understanding court procedures, and navigating legal systems.
• Make follow-up calls to protective order petitioners in Hampton and Newport News.
• Provide court accompaniment and support during hearings, meetings, and related legal appointments.
• Conduct safety planning, risk/danger assessments, and crisis intervention tailored to survivor needs and circumstances.
• Explain survivor rights, available legal options, and community resources in a clear and supportive manner.
• Collaborate with prosecutors, law enforcement, court personnel, victim witness staff, attorneys, and community partners to support survivor safety and access to services.
• Maintain survivor confidentiality and uphold ethical advocacy practices at all times.
• Support survivors in accessing additional services including shelter, housing, counseling, case management, financial assistance, transportation, and community resources.

Court & Community Collaboration

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local courts, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and related partners.
• Participate in coordinated community response efforts and multidisciplinary meetings as assigned.
• Assist with improving communication and collaboration between survivors and criminal justice systems.
• Advocate for survivor-centered and trauma-informed responses within court and law enforcement systems.
• Provide information and referrals to law enforcement personnel regarding domestic violence resources and survivor services.
• Collaborate with other program staff to ensure continuity of care and appropriate agency or community referrals.

Outreach & Community Education

• Participate in outreach events, awareness campaigns, trainings, and prevention activities related to domestic violence and victim services.
• Assist with educational presentations and community training involving law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, schools, community organizations, and the public.
• Support development and distribution of outreach and educational materials.
• Represent the organization at community meetings, resource fairs, and collaborative events as assigned.
• Promote awareness of domestic violence dynamics, survivor rights, available resources, and trauma-informed responses.

Documentation and Quality Assurance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case notes, service records, and documentation in accordance with agency policies and grant requirements.
• Complete required reports, logs, data entry, and program documentation in accordance with organizational and grant requirements.
• Protect survivor confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all interactions and documentation.
• Complete required reports, logs, data entry, and program documentation in accordance with organizational and grant requirements.
• Follow all policies related to confidentiality, mandated reporting, safety procedures, and ethical advocacy practices
• Participate in data collection, report development, and quality assurance activities as required.

Professional Development

• Participate in team meetings, training, supervision, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Maintain current knowledge of domestic violence laws, court procedures, victim advocacy practices, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Supervise interns and volunteers interested in court advocacy.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, or related field required.
• Or 5+ years of related experience in a court setting and/or a social justice field.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, domestic violence dynamics, crisis intervention, and survivor advocacy.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be familiar with Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and York County community agencies.
• Knowledge and experience working with clients/families in crisis.
• Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries, ensuring that job performance and attitude reflect the philosophy and vision of Transitions Family Violence Services.
• Ability to work with clients from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in working with clients.
• Ability to follow established procedures to maintain client confidentiality for all work conducted on behalf of Transitions Family Violence Services.
• Ability to work with colleagues/agency volunteers/interns as a team member.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with professionals from diverse backgrounds and the ability to develop community contacts for resources.
• Detail oriented & strong organizational skills, with the capacity to develop and ensure accurate and timely follow-up as well as documentation.
• Ability to express yourself orally and in writing in a positive manner that represents Transitions Family Violence Services.
• Ability to produce forms, letters, and presentations using computer software to include Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment; including desktop computers, laptop, telephone, and fax machine.
• Good driving record, valid driver’s license.
• Criminal records and CPS checks are required.

Terms: This position is a 30 hours per week, non-exempt position and may on occasion include some early evening work. This is a grant-funded position, and requirements are subject to change.

Evaluation: Evaluations will occur on a regular basis. Employees will be evaluated on a six-month basis (informal) and annual (formal) basis. The annual written evaluation will be completed by the Executive Director. Continued employment is subject to employee receiving satisfactory evaluations.

Supervision: This position reports to and receives operational supervision from the Director of Outreach.

Statement of Commitment: Transitions Family Violence Services is committed to providing trauma informed, survivor centered services that promote safety, empowerment, and healing. We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

Pay: From $19.20 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person