Court Advocate

The Program:

YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program offers 24/7 shelter, a help hotline, and emergency intervention for victims of domestic violence. Providing services for the entire family in Kanawha, Clay, and Boone counties, YWCA Resolve also offers case management, court advocacy, counseling, support groups, safety planning, monitored parent-child visitation/exchange, programs for children, and teen dating safety. Licensed by the West Virginia Family Protection Services Board, our mission is to eliminate domestic violence through leadership, education, empowerment, and community collaboration.

The Position:

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.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of an Associate’s 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.

Responsibilities:

• 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.

A complete job description is provided at the time of the interview.
Why Should You Apply?

• You want to make a difference and see positive change in a person’s life
• You are passionate about helping people become empowered to be self-sufficient
• You want to be part of a team that collaborates for the greater good of an individual and the organization

Compensation: $16.00 per hour.

About YWCA Charleston:

The YWCA Charleston has been fostering self-sufficiency and independence. Originally designed as safe lodging for young women from rural communities coming to Charleston to pursue careers, the YWCA has evolved into the city’s most diverse and comprehensive network of social service programs. YWCA programs, facilities, and services assist more than 5,000 individuals each year.

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