JOB SUMMARY: The Domestic Violence Advocate will provide case management, direct legal options counseling, advocacy and court accompaniment for clients in the legal program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Direct Services:
- Provide crisis intervention services to victims of domestic violence
- Provide victims with supportive legal options counseling as well as information on their rights under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act to resident and non-resident clients
- Provide referral services to eligible domestic violence victims about their right to access financial relief through the VCCO
- Keep supervisor informed of matters that need advocacy within the police departments
- Assist victims through the Family Court process by providing pre and post hearing support
- Provide technical assistance to victims applying for restraining order and/or responding to court paper work
- Provide domestic violence legal options counseling, including safety planning, referrals and education to victims involved in domestic violence proceedings at Superior Court via face-to-face meetings and/or written materials
- Assist the Supervising Domestic Violence Advocate and Legal Program Coordinator as needed to coordinate and facilitate legal clinics and workshops for victims
Indirect Services:
- Assist training to volunteers working in the Legal Program
- Assist with training on the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act to full-time staff and volunteers
- Conduct in-service presentations and speaking engagements, as assigned, in an effort to increase awareness of domestic violence issues and promote best practices in the judiciary and court system
- Maintain appropriate and current documentation in files
- Report on VAG activities as directed
- Participate in the NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violences Legal Advocate Network Domestic Violence Working Group committee meetings related to the Legal Advocacy Program as appropriate
OTHER DUTIES: as assigned
