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YWCA Charleston

Court Advocate

Charleston, West Virginia•Full-time
$16+ hourly
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About the Job
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.

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