Court Advocate

YWCA Charleston; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Charleston is seeking a Court Advocate in Kanawha County, Charleston, WV. This full-time role supports victims of domestic violence within the court system, assisting with DVPOs, intake, assessments, and referrals.

You will work as part of a team of advocates to ensure access to judicial services, maintain accurate records, and uphold confidentiality. A degree in human services and a valid driver's license are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an associate degree in human services or related field.
• Strong oral/written communication skills.
• Crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Sensitive to and knowledgeable about domestic violence.
• Ability to respond to clients in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct advocacy services to victims of domestic violence in the court setting to assist with filing DVPOs; intake and assessment; information and referral; development of service plans; emergency support and advocacy; lethality assessment and safety planning; and economic advocacy.
• Discuss needs identified by victims as they access the judicial system; ensuring options are disclosed for determination by victims.
• Provide court advocacy, networking, referrals, and crisis intervention for victims at the judicial level.
• Maintain accurate client records necessary for grant reporting and licensure.
• Ensure referrals are made for victims seeking a Legal Aid attorney for representation at Final Protective Order hearings and assist in relocating clients to a shelter as needed.
• Gathers statistics on client services provided by the program with the responsibility of ensuring accurate record keeping on victims accessing judicial services.
• Models appropriate problem-solving and negotiating skills in interactions with clients.
• Compiles and keeps current a list of all social service agencies, as well as community and legal resources that could be useful to program clients.
• Partners with other program staff to ensure clients’ needs are met and inform the Program Director of all needs, problems, and meetings attended.
• Maintains confidentiality related to court records, referrals, and inquiries from other agencies or attorneys.
• Provide awareness of the availability of the crime victim compensation process and provide victim assistance in completing forms, gathering documentation, and follow-up if needed.
• Submits weekly records and data needed for grants and other reports to the Grants Manager as requested.
• Advocates working 15 or more hours per week will work towards the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WVCADV) Domestic Violence Advocate certification by attending a minimum of 50 hours of WVCADV-approved training per year until certification.
• Upon obtaining the Domestic Violence Advocate certification each advocate will maintain their certification through approved continuing education.
• Assists with duties associated with special events, fundraisers, or training outside of normal hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong communication

Crisis intervention

Diversity sensitivity

Empathy

Driver's license

Criminal background check

Education

Associate degree in human services

Job description

Position

Court Advocate.

Salary

Non-Exempt – $16.00 Hourly.

Hours

Full-Time Monday-Friday.

Location

Kanawha County Courthouse Charleston, WV.

Assignment

The Court Advocate under the direction of the Program Director will work as a member of a team with domestic violence advocates, coordinators, and supervisors to ensure clients have access to services at the judicial level for civil proceedings.

Education and Experience Required

• Minimum of an associate degree in human services or related field.

Additional Requisites

• Strong oral/written communication skills.
• Crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Sensitive to and knowledgeable about domestic violence.
• Ability to respond to clients in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide direct advocacy services to victims of domestic violence in the court setting to assist with filing DVPOs; intake and assessment; information and referral; development of service plans; emergency support and advocacy; lethality assessment and safety planning; and economic advocacy.
• Discuss needs identified by victims as they access the judicial system; ensuring options are disclosed for determination by victims.
• Provide court advocacy, networking, referrals, and crisis intervention for victims at the judicial level.
• Maintain accurate client records necessary for grant reporting and licensure.
• Ensures referrals are made for victims seeking a Legal Aid attorney for representation at Final Protective Order hearings and assists in relocating clients to a shelter as needed.
• Gathers statistics on client services provided by the program with the responsibility of ensuring accurate record keeping on victims accessing judicial services.
• Models appropriate problem-solving and negotiating skills in interactions with clients.
• Compiles and keeps current a list of all social service agencies, as well as community and legal resources that could be useful to program clients.
• Partners with other program staff to ensure clients’ needs are met and inform the Program Director of all needs, problems, and meetings attended.
• Maintains confidentiality related to court records, referrals, and inquiries from other agencies or attorneys.
• Provide awareness of the availability of the crime victim compensation process and provide victim assistance in completing forms, gathering documentation, and follow-up if needed.
• Submits weekly records and data needed for grants and other reports to the Grants Manager as requested.
• Advocates working 15 or more hours per week will work towards the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WVCADV) Domestic Violence Advocate certification by attending a minimum of 50 hours of WVCADV-approved training per year until certification.
• Upon obtaining the Domestic Violence Advocate certification each advocate will maintain their certification through approved continuing education.
• Assists with duties associated with special events, fundraisers, or training outside of normal hours.
• Other duties as assigned.