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 Legal Domestic Violence Advocate and Legal Program Supervisor 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