Court Advocate - Domestic Violence at YWCA Central Massachusetts

As a Court Advocate you will provide victims of domestic violence the following support in a court-based setting: information on safety planning; explanation of the legal process involved in obtaining and maintaining M.G.L. c.209A protective orders and other legal options; accompaniment into the courtroom and in-court advocacy; and information and referrals to community resources available to victims of domestic violence and act as liaison between SAFEPLAN and Domestic Violence Services. Position is based in the Worcester courthouse.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide court-based advocacy services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and their families
• Provide confidential and comprehensive direct services to victims who come to court seeking protection from abuse
• Provide support, referrals, and empowerment advocacy to victims of domestic violence who are in the court system
• Provide information regarding the judicial system, both criminal and civil
• Appear in court and advocate on behalf of the Program Participant with representatives of law enforcement, prosecution, and court
• Assist with arrangements for additional legal services
• Assess participants’ needs
• Assess lethality of participants’ situation
• Assist Program Participant with adaptation and development of safety plan
• Maintain and report statistical measurements as required
• Maintain documentation as required
• Refer/advocate victims to community resources as necessary
• Maintain current knowledge of domestic violence
• Other duties and tasks as assigned by Supervisor/Manager

Qualifications

• Experience in domestic violence intervention preferred
• Bi-lingual/Bi-Cultural desired
• Proficient computer skills
• Ability to make community presentations
• Ability to advocate on behalf of victims
• Ability to perform calmly in crisis situations
• Training and experience in crisis intervention counseling preferred
• Valid MA driver’s license

YWCA is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer.

Survivors of domestic or sexual violence, people of color, people with disabilities, people who are bilingual/bicultural, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.