JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: DVPP Court Advocate Status: Full-Time/Salary/Exempt
Association Summary:
For over 100 years the YWCA Central Virginia has been serving the women, children, and families of Central
Virginia. Founded in 1912 by a dedicated group of women, the YWCA Central Virginia has grown and adapted to meet the varying needs of the communities we serve. YWCA Central Virginia serves seven counties and one city, an area of 4,400 square miles with a population of over 400,000 community members. We currently host three key direct service programs: Domestic Violence Prevention Program, Sexual Assault Response Program, and Town
Center Women’s Residential Housing Program.
Position Description:
Under the direction of the YWCA Director of Programs, the Court Advocate will assist victims of domestic violence and their children. Advocate will be responsible for court advocacy, education and training of community partners, information and referral, and implementation and coordination of support groups in rural, underserved areas, and planning of special events during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This person must be exceedingly well organized, flexible and fully supportive of the mission of YWCA of Central Virginia. NOTE: This position is funded through grant support. It is anticipated that continuation funding will be available, but not guaranteed.
Area of Responsibility
General Responsibilities
- Attend Juvenile and Domestic Court in service area and provide advocacy, support, information, and referrals to victims of domestic violence.
- Attend court in other underserved, rural areas on an as-needed basis.
- Compile weekly and monthly statistical reports on number of victims served.
- Maintain contact with court clients for follow-up assistance.
- Deliver presentations on domestic violence awareness in service areas.
- Conduct training to allied professionals on issues of domestic violence.
- Attend all staff meetings.
- Actively participate in public relations of the program.
- Assist with Court Advocacy in service area.
- Act as a liaison between lawyers and victims.
- Assist with hotline calls at shelter.
- Fill in as Advocate on an as needed basis and including determining the admission and release of clients.
- Meet with in-house and outside clients to develop action-plans, obtainable goals and tips to witnessing.
- Assist victims with Criminal Injuries Compensation Information.
- Assist victims with victim impact statement and/or Affidavits, motion to amend paperwork, etc.
- Monitor court and criminal justice system for identifying potential problems for system changes and legislation changes.
- Respond to calls from LPD on the LAP phone.
- Call domestic violence victims back during crisis and after for safety planning and to inform them of their rights.
- Make arrangements for victims to get preliminary protective order.
- Transport victims if needed to and from court.
- Arrange childcare for victims during court proceedings.
- Record all LAP calls onto VADATA and combine all data and provide semi-annual report for LAP.
- Attend trainings related to job description/duties.
- In-house client’s meetings, recommendations, court notes, and disposition of case are typed and copies are either in their advocacy file or given to their advocate to insert in their shelter records.
- Accompany victims and children to court, magistrate’s office, appointments with lawyers, etc.
- Transport clients to appointments within service area.
- Assist cross warrant cases involving victims.
- Determine long and short term goals.
- Devise and draft forms for administrative use.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and implement new programs if needed.
- Supervise interns participating in Court Advocacy Program.
- Assist with other duties assigned by the Director.
- Other duties as assigned.
All YWCA staff members are expected to function as self-directed members of a team, to model professional standards and the YWCA mission, and to help sustain an environment that eliminates racism, promotes diversity and inclusion, and encourages women’s and girl’s investment in themselves and in the YWCA movement.
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
- An understanding of and belief in the mission of the YWCA of Central Virginia which is to eliminate racism and empower women. All team members must commit to promoting racial equity and social justice advocacy.
- Bachelor’s degree or above in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or related field
- Must possess knowledge of judicial system and community resources
- Experience working with a diverse, multicultural population considered an asset
- Fluent in English, verbal and written
- Proficiency with MS Office
Job Requirements
- Maintain orderly work environment and perform tasks in a prescribed and safe manner
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a positive team environment
- Complete a background check
- Adapt to fast-paced working environment with multiple deadlines; possess schedule management skills
- Maintain and improve professional skills and knowledge
- Be flexible and receptive to suggestions, input and change
- Operate modern office equipment, including computer, phone, fax, copier, etc.
- Understand and carry out both oral and written instructions in an independent manner
- Communicate effectively and tactfully in both oral and written forms, superior communication skills
- Excellent time management skills and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
- Ability to work well under pressure and multi-task without supervision
Physical Requirements
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Employee must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various locations and meeting sites. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
- ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- The incumbent is located in a busy office environment, or busy public spaces. The incumbent is faced with constant interruptions and must meet with others on a regular basis.
- SENSORY DEMANDS
- The incumbent must spend long hours in intense concentration. The incumbent must also spend long hours on the computer entering thorough information which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
- MENTAL DEMANDS
- There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress.
The incumbent must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues including, but not limited to, those facing domestic violence, sexual assault, poverty, homelessness, and racism due to the mission and programs of the YWCA.
Desired Knowledge
- Excellent anticipatory, interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills
- Ability to work independently, have excellent organizational skills, be flexible and be able to handle changing workload with multiple projects and changing priorities
- Willingness to take initiative within assigned responsibilities
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion
- Professional demeanor, with the ability to develop and maintain rapport with a variety of people
- Ability to multitask, prioritize work, handle interruptions, and meet deadlines
- Strong customer skills, being empathetic when communicating
- Excellent problem solving/judgement skills
- Strong organizational/time management skills, meticulous attention to detail, works well under pressure and meets tight deadlines
- Highly computer literate with capability in email, Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and related business and communication tools.
- Core competencies expected: initiative, collaboration, orientation to service, self-management and capacity for self-evaluation, fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, problem solving and conflict resolution.
POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS
● This is a full-time position (35 hours minimum weekly) and includes availability for health and dental benefits, paid time off, vacation and sick leave, and YWCA Retirement Fund after two years of employment and subject to availability. This position is contingent on grant funding and availability of funding.
YWCA of Central Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. YWCA of Central Virginia does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Pay Scale and Hours: $35,568-$38,000, depending on experience and availability of funds.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $35,568.00 - $38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
Education:
Work Location: Multiple locations