Court Services Advocate

Harbor House of Central Florida – Court Services Advocate

Harbor House of Central Florida is Orange County's state-certified Domestic Violence service provider. We are dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence through comprehensive services, including a 24‑hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and community education.

The Court Services Advocate provides advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence who are attempting to secure injunctions for protection by providing crisis intervention, advocacy, and referrals.

• Assist survivors seeking domestic violence injunctions at the Orange County courthouse by providing referrals for supportive services to Harbor House programs and other community agencies (counseling, support groups, victim's compensation, etc.).
• Provide immediate support, crisis intervention counseling, and support groups to survivors of domestic violence.
• Provide front‑desk coverage as needed, answering phones, greeting clients, disseminating and receiving information and documentation, and ensuring clients are seen in a timely manner.
• Support survivors at court hearings.
• Provide support and guidance to survivors filing petitions for injunction at the clerk's office computer room and those seeking assistance in the waiting area.
• Explain injunction orders to survivors.
• Explain the procedure and purpose of injunction.
• Assist survivors in making plans to return for court hearings and discuss courtroom expectations.
• Provide immediate support and crisis intervention counseling to survivors whose partners are being prosecuted by the State Attorney's Office.
• Establish and maintain partnerships within OC Courthouse and other community-based organizations, engaging in periodic tabling events, meetings, coalitions, and other community events.
• Work closely with Harbor House Shelter Services Advocates to ensure coordination of services.
• Record and compile statistical data on clients and services for the Outreach Services Manager.

• Education: Minimum of an undergraduate degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Counseling, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of one year in counseling or social work experience, preferably in a domestic violence program or criminal justice field.
• Discretion: Professional experience may be substituted for formal education at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer.
• Licensing: Valid Florida Driver's License with a clean record for the past 5 years. Must be 21 years or older to meet agency insurance requirements.
• Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Ability to learn organization‑specific software, including databases and content management systems. Strong professional writing and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment with attention to detail. Knowledge of case management and the ability to provide effective and immediate crisis intervention.
• Training Requirements: Completion of CORE Competency training within 90 days of hire. Additional mandatory training required annually per Agency Policies & Procedures.

By joining Harbor House of Central Florida, you will play a vital role in supporting survivors of domestic violence. Your work will directly contribute to the well‑being and empowerment of those in need.

Harbor House is an equal opportunity employer and drug‑free workplace. We provide a dynamic and rewarding workplace environment with excellent benefits.

Join a team that saves lives every day.

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