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New Hope, Inc. · 2 months ago

SAFEPLAN Court Advocate- Worcester County

Worcester, MA

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$21/hr - $21/hr

New Hope, Inc. is dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking. The SAFEPLAN Advocate will provide support and advocacy for clients navigating the judicial system, conduct safety planning, and collaborate with various court personnel to ensure the safety and rights of survivors are upheld.

Government Administration

Responsibilities

Assist survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who come to court seeking protective orders by: providing crisis assessment and intervention, assisting survivors in completing protective order application forms, providing information for survivors on legal options, and the process to obtain a protective order

Screen potential clients for appropriateness and eligibility to receive SAFEPLAN services

Conduct comprehensive safety planning for survivors and their children that is individualized for each client and consists of ways for the client to remain safe in different situations

Accompany, support, and advocate for survivors in court during civil proceedings

Make referrals and connections for appropriate follow-ups to domestic violence services, other social service programs, and the District Attorney's Office as necessary including counseling, group support, legal services or District Attorney Victim Witness Advocates

Maintain appropriate and professional boundaries with individuals receiving SAFEPLAN services

Establish professional and collaborative working relationships with court personnel and others including, but not limited to, clerks, judges, attorneys, prosecutors, security officers and victim witness advocates

Exercise empathetic and active listening skills

Work under the empowerment model to inform survivors of their rights and options as a survivor of domestic violence

Discuss the dynamics of abuse with survivors of domestic violence

Make follow-up calls to clients, and on behalf of clients to referral sources, and at times follow up with law enforcement to verify that protective orders have been served

Adhere to confidentiality policies, record keeping and SAFEPLAN Program Guidelines/statistical reporting

Be knowledgeable of changes in local, state, and national laws as well as legislative issues relating to the provision of assistance to survivors facing court processes and provide training and support to SAFEPLAN volunteers

Collaborate with other SAFEPLAN advocate and volunteers to assure coverage in New Hope's eight represented District Courts, in accordance with the court coverage agreement

Attend regular supervision with the direct service supervisor regarding specific cases, day-to-day activities, performance evaluations, or case related guidance and overall quality of work issues

Attend MOVA quarterly regional meetings and continuing education sessions to discuss systemic advocacy issues and to receive ongoing training

Complete statistical data reporting as required

Perform other SAFEPLAN related tasks as requested by the Senior SAFEPLAN Advocate and/or Senior Management

Travel and provide back-up to all Worcester County courts, with occasional coverage for the SE courts as needed