Advocate Victim Witness Program – Division of Alternatives to Domestic Violence – Department of

Advocate Victim Witness Program – Division of Alternatives to Domestic Violence – Department of Human Services

Organizational Overview:

The mission of the Bergen County’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV) is to partner with individuals and groups to prevent and eliminate domestic violence, dating abuse, and other forms of intimate partner violence, through comprehensive service approaches that strategically address the multifaceted causes and effects of abuse in diverse communities, such as prevention education, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, evidence-based counseling programs, and coordinated community responses to violence.

Job Description:

This employment opportunity is to serve as the Advocate Victim Witness Program. Under direction, provides advocate services to crime victims, witnesses and their families to cope with the problems encountered as a result of becoming a crime victim or witness; provides assistance during court procedures; provides social service referrals; does other related duties.

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary legal advocate for victims of domestic violence, dating abuse, and intimate partner violence navigating the court system.
• May accompany victims or witnesses to the prosecutor’s office, grand jury, or courts to provide support; assists victims or witnesses in providing statements.
• Provides referrals for needed services, which may include counseling, social services and self-help groups.
• Provides assistance to clients with preparation for court appearances, including explaining court procedures, legal rights, and available remedies.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the program to ensure comprehensive victim advocacy.
• Draft and assist with preparation of legal documents, affidavits, and court filings as appropriate within scope of practice.
• Provide immediate crisis intervention and safety planning for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
• Conduct comprehensive intake assessments and needs evaluations for incoming clients.
• Manage the agency hotline, providing information, support, and crisis intervention to callers.
• Maintain ongoing case management for clients receiving legal advocacy services.
• Manage the recruitment, training, scheduling, and coordination of Court Accompaniment Volunteers.
• Maintain statistical tracking and reporting of Court Accompaniment Program impact and outcomes.
• Participates in the preparation of informational brochures and resources for domestic violence survivors.
• Conduct community presentations, workshops, and trainings on domestic violence legal issues and available services.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case files and documentation in compliance with agency, county, and state requirements.
• Prepare reports on program activities and outcomes.

Schedule:

• Full time (40 hours/week) Monday – Friday.
• Occasional overtime, evenings, or weekend hours as needed for court schedules and crisis response.

Education and Experience Requirements:Applicants must meet one of the following of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.

• Five (5) years of professional experience providing advice and referral services to individuals or groups coping with social, emotional, psychological or other problems.

or

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.

Other Requirements:

• Must successfully complete background checks as required by county and state regulations for positions serving vulnerable populations.
• Preferred: LSW, LCSW, Paralegal Certificate, or related credential.
• Victim advocacy certification preferred (can be obtained within 6 months of hire).
• CPR/AED certification preferred (can be obtained within 90 days of hire).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual Spanish/English candidates are strongly encouraged to apply (must be able to read, write, speak, and understand both languages sufficiently to perform duties).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Word, Outlook and Excel programs.
• Will be…