Domestic Violence Court Advocate

The Union County Family Justice Center (FJC) is a collaboration among existing public and private agencies in Union County, NJ, to provide support, services, and resources for victims of domestic violence, with the goal of making these services more accessible and available. The collaboration represents a true integration of services that is fully client-centered and meets the needs of clients in a holistic manner and in a single location.

At the direction of and in collaboration with the Director of the Family Justice Center, carries the responsibility for the oversight and development of the Court Advocacy Program.

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SPECIALIZED TRAINING

• BA/BS or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years' experience.
• Must have a knowledge and sensitivity to the problems of domestic violence, criminal justice, administrative experience, and a commitment to women's empowerment and the eradication of racism.
• Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Responsible for the overall management of the Court Advocacy component of the YWCA's program, which includes oversight of the program, maintenance, and development.
• Responsible for ensuring the following services are provided to victims of domestic violence in court: increase the victim's ability to make educated decisions about their options, assist them in obtaining restraining orders, explain the legal process, increase the victim's access to community resources.
• Responsible for maintaining funding sources, including coordinating with the Director of FJC and YWCA Development team for application writing, report preparation, providing monthly statistical and quarterly reports to funding sources, acting as a liaison with contract monitors, and assuring that required levels of services are maintained.
• Collaboration with the Director of Family Justice Center to ensure that the program is directed by agency goals, priorities, mission, and philosophy.
• Assist in providing technical assistance and/or training to YWCA staff, volunteers, police officers and other community groups, as needed.
• Supervise Court Advocate volunteers and interns.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Administration activities include developing and implementing program design, policies, and procedures, implementing goals and objectives, working with Director of FJC to ensure program coverage, designing and implementing program outcomes, and submitting monthly reports as required.
• Accompany victims into the courtroom as needed. Provide information and referrals including emergency shelter and counseling and other YWCA and community services.
• Meets with, assesses, and counsels victims who return to court on a walk-in basis to dismiss restraining orders and as referred by the court. Assist victims with completion of affidavit for Dissolution/Modification.
• Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with staff members at Family Court, Union County Prosecutor's Office, Office of Victim Witness, lawyers, and local law enforcement officers.
• Keeps abreast on all aspects of family law as it relates to domestic violence including but not limited to divorce, custody, and visitation.
• Participate in supervisory meetings with the Director of Family Justice Center as scheduled.
• Attend YWCA and Family Justice Center staff meetings and monthly Family Justice Center partner meetings.
• Attend client case review meetings when necessary.
• Represent the YWCA on external committees, such DV Working Group.
• Other duties and responsibilities as needed and directed.
• All positions will be trained in how to answer the hotline and for shelter shift coverage.

This job description is a broad outline of the…