Court Victim Advocate

PENELOPE HOUSE, INC.

Job Description Court/Victim Advocate Salary Non-Exempt Summary The Court/Victim Advocate provides information regarding legal options available to victims of intimate partner violence, including their rights as a victim, education about the dynamics of intimate partner violence the court process, and legal support throughout the judicial process. The Court/Victim Advocate works closely with the court systems, law enforcement, and community partners in the counties and municipalities served by Penelope House. The Court/Victim Advocate is supervised by the Court/Victim Advocate Program Supervisor. Duties Duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Appear in criminal court during arraignments and hearings.
• Appear in civil court for Protection from Abuse Order hearings as needed.
• Contact judges, prosecutors, and magistrates to inform them of services available from Penelope House to victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).
• Check court systems to determine when IPV cases are on docket.
• Contact victims prior to court to give them information about their options, availability of court/victim advocates, and explore safety/protection issues.
• Act as liaison between prosecutor and victim to inform prosecutor of safety/protection issues and victim's wishes, if any, for treatment for the perpetrator.
• Assist victims throughout their Domestic Violence (DV) court cases and provide victims with a packet of DV resources and information.
• Provide direct services to victims such as crisis services, safety/ protection, legal, or other needs of victims.
• Assess direct services for victims needs and develop a plan and/or make referrals to meet client goals.
• Make victim aware of all services offered by Penelope house, including support group and shelter, if needed.
• Accompany victims to sign warrants, file petitions for protection from abuse, and attend court hearings.
• Provide orientation and develop legal case plan to all victims in shelter regarding their options.
• Educate the community through speaking engagements, training of law enforcement agencies, the courts and other social service agencies to inform them of available services through Penelope House.
• Complete monthly, end of the month report do cumentation on a timely basis, with information regarding number of victims served, services provided, court appearances, outreach and public presentations, etc.
• Complete documentation daily on cases.
• Submit documentation at least bi-weekly for data entry and Initial and Additional Contact Forms with all victims you are assigned.
• Submit monthly narrative reports related to grant activities, and all other reports required by the Program Supervisor or the Executive Director.
• Provide crisis back-up answering crisis calls as needed.
• Provide transportation to clients and/or children as needed.
• Other related duties as deemed necessary by Program Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Some knowledge of the criminal justice process and ability to become knowledgeable of legal documents and legal orders. Strong computer skills are required. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively and efficiently as part of a team. Ability to lift 25 pounds. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a major in the criminal justice field, or the equivalent in training and experience. Must have a valid Alabama Driver's License and proof of liability insurance. Clearance through the Alabama Central Registry on Child Abuse and Neglect. Proof of COVID vaccination. Must be U. S. citizen or provide proof of eligibility to work in this country.

Pay:

$34,036.35 - $35,036.35 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person