What are the responsibilities and job description for the Court Advocate position at Women Against Abuse?
Are you looking for a meaningful career opportunity that will help support the safety of families across Philadelphia? Are you interested in being part of an established, vision-oriented nonprofit organization? Women Against Abuse (WAA), is looking for an experienced individual to join the team as a Court Advocate!
WAA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency, is Philadelphia's leading domestic violence advocate and service provider and among the largest domestic violence agencies in the country. The mission of WAA is to provide quality, compassionate and non-judgmental services in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons experiencing intimate partner violence through advocacy and community education. With over 170 staff, WAA serves (2-100 bed safe havens and 15 transitional housing apartments), legal services, hotline counseling, aftercare community-based services, prevention & education, and advocacy.
WAA’s Core Values are Safety, Empowerment, Strength, Hope, Respect, and Integrity and we are committed to a work environment built on honesty, transparency, teamwork, accountability, and a high level of professionalism.
Responsibilities:
Provide direct services to victims of domestic violence in court and help victims with safety planning. Provide a range of advocacy services to clients who have been victims of domestic violence, such as in-court and telephone counseling on victim options and referrals. Work cooperatively with WAA paralegals in coordinating advocacy on behalf of victim/witnesses in the court system and act as backup in providing advocacy before trial. Work with clients to explain the court system and the client’s role as a victim and/or witness; offer support and advocacy when in the courtroom. Staff centralized courtrooms for preliminary hearing and misdemeanor trials which originate as domestic violence matter. Contact clients prior to their appearance in the courtroom in order to inform them of the program and offer support to them. Offer emotional support and provide information on the legal system and their resources to clients following the preliminary hearing where possible, including accompanying clients at trials and hearing subsequent to the preliminary hearing. Provide support services and safety planning to clients participating in supervised visitation services. All services will be provided using a trauma informed practice
Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in human service or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
2. Some experience in legal services and/or advocacy is required with paralegal experience strongly preferred.
3. Some experience in working on domestic violence issues is strongly preferred.
4. Bilingual strongly preferred.
5. Demonstrated ability to organize time and detail, including keeping of records, is preferred.
6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population is required.
7. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member is required.
8. Demonstrated commitment to service of others is required.
9. Knowledge of the dynamics of trauma is preferred.
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9a - 5p (4 days in court, 1 day in office)
Pay Rate: $17.64 an hour with Full Medical/Vision/Dental benefits more.
Location: Center City, Philadelphia PA
Vaccine Mandate Information: All current & future employees of WAA must have the Covid-19 vaccination. We can provide an accommodation with an approved medical or religious exemption. All employees meeting this exemption must be tested weekly and wear a mask when in common or community spaces (mask can be removed when eating or in a single office with the door closed)
We are an equal opportunity employer and are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color, LGBTQ communities, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
