Oxford County Criminal Justice Advocate

A. PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Oxford County Criminal Justice Advocate provides direct advocacy to survivors with the purpose of increasing safety for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence by giving them greater and more effective access to judicial protections and to assist them with a full range of safety planning and support services both in and outside of the criminal court setting. This position will be based out of our Oxford County office.

• Individual Advocacy:

• Provide trauma-informed advocacy to victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence.

• Work with individuals on our helpline and in person.

• Develop positive and productive relationships with persons served.

• Assist in the creation of a personalized client safety plan.

• Coordinate services and avoid duplication by working directly with other service providers and empowering individuals to have control over their options.

• Demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of, the cultural and socioeconomic status of persons served.

• Demonstrate knowledge of issues faced by those who experience domestic abuse and violence.

• Assist in identifying resources that may be of help to persons requesting services and makes referrals to resources necessary to achieve safety and independence from the abusive situation or environment.

• Work collaboratively with all Safe Voices employees.

• Responsible for data collection, file maintenance and monthly reports.

• Utilize Danger Assessment and ODARA recidivism assessment tools to identify indicators of lethality and high risk domestic violence cases.

• Make referral for High Risk Response Team (HRRT) and Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Team meetings as appropriate.

• Attend High Risk Response Meetings, Multidisciplinary Team Meetings, and Coordinated Community Response meetings as appropriate.

• Notify supervisor if there is a conflict when working with an individual person or party.

• Accompany victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence to court. Provide emotional support and basic information about the courts, criminal prosecutions, role of the survivor/witness, and civil protection from abuse order process to clients during all applicable court proceedings.

• Work cohesively and respectfully with court officers, Judges and appointed legal representatives.

• Whenever possible, meet with persons served, prior to court date, to prepare for court appearance.

• Maintain positive working relationship and communication with Assistant District Attorneys and Victim Witness Advocates.

• Attend criminal court proceeding at the request of survivors, law enforcement, and/or the district attorney's office.

• Initiate contact with clients who are not otherwise engaged in services through the Advocate Initiated Reponses (AIR) process.

• Cover court in the absence of other advocates as assigned.

• Inform victims of rights under the Violence Against Women Act.

• Support victims in filing Victims Compensation claims in compliance with program guidelines.

• Immediately notify supervisor or Executive Director when served with a subpoena to ensure the best course of action in each specific case and circumstance.

• Document all client interactions in accordance to Safe Voices data and documentation guidelines.

• Provide legal advocacy, never legal advice or representation.

• Facilitate support group(s) and assist in providing coverage for other groups as needed and assigned.

• Plan agenda/curricula for the group including activities and handouts.

• Document support group attendance, length of group, and keep record of method/model used for the content of the support group.

• Maintain confidentiality of all group members.

• Responsible for finding alternative coverage for support group.