About the position
The First Response Court Advocate plays a vital role in delivering the care, support and resources needed to survivors of all ages who have experienced sexual assault or intimate partner violence. The First Response Court Advocate is responsible for providing education on legal options, civil and criminal court, and the Personal Protection Order processes. This position also acts as a supportive accompaniment to survivors at HAVEN, Oakland County hospitals, police departments, and in court. The First Response Court Advocate provides survivor-centered, empowerment-based support including crisis intervention, safety planning, education of the court, and kit release process.
Responsibilities
- Provide services including personal, medical and legal advocacy to survivors of SA and IPV that is culturally specific, trauma informed, anti-racist, and inclusive.
- Provide information about the criminal court process, evidence gathering, reporting, crime victim rights, and the PPO process to survivors.
- Accompany and assist survivors at criminal proceedings, PPO filings and hearings, and police departments in Oakland County.
- Maintain accurate records regarding client case files.
- Facilitate a coordinated community response in Oakland County through High-Risk Response Teams and other initiatives.
- Advocate with community, civil, and criminal justice systems personnel to create and enhance trauma informed services and referrals.
- Maintain professional development opportunities related to anti-oppression and anti-racism within marginalized and underserved populations.
- Actively participate in HAVEN initiatives to address oppression at the root of sexual assault and intimate partner violence in order to make our services and community more equitable.
- All other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or Criminal Justice required. Related experience in place of education requirement will be considered.
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule in order to satisfy on-call requirements which includes nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- Must have access to reliable transportation.
- Must be able to respond to anywhere within Oakland County in one hour or less.
- Must be willing to complete and successfully pass a background check.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with community outreach preferred.
- Experience with crisis intervention, as well as working with intimate partner violence and/or sexual assault survivors, strongly preferred.
- Must be able to demonstrate emotional intelligence and maturity as well as vulnerability.
- Must be able to communicate with a variety of leaders within the organization and community in a professional manner.
- Ability to take a solutions-based approach and think analytically when presented with a problem.
