POSITION: OUTREACH ADVOCATE

STATUS: Non-Exempt

LOCATION: Biloxi/Jackson County

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Chief Advocacy Officer

HOURS: Full-Time 40-hour work week Monday-Friday, some evening and weekend work will be required.

SUMMARY: Position provides court advocacy and support services to victims of interpersonal violence. Position oversees Coordinated Community Response Teams to engage the community in addressing domestic violence. Acts as designated contact person for assigned office location.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Essential position requirements include but are not limited to: High school diploma or GED. One (1) year experience or training in areas of criminal justice and/or victim services, preferred.

Must be able to work effectively with a diverse group of clients, staff and individuals in the criminal justice systems.

Ability to work diplomatically in order to gain and maintain professional relationships with court officials and law enforcement.

Ability to work with minimal supervision, as well as in a team environment.

Ability to express complex information and ideas both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work within agency mission, philosophy and policies/procedures.

Must have a reliable vehicle and meet agency driving policy requirements, including a valid driver license and proof of required automobile insurance. Travel required.

General physical requirements include but are not limited to: bending, stooping, climbing stairs, prolonged sitting of more than 4 hours.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Court Advocacy

• Attend assigned court sessions and non-scheduled court accompaniments.
• Maintain a visible, professional and accessible presence in court environment.
• Identify victims of domestic violence attending court and establish contact.
• Provide information to attendant victims regarding judicial process and court personnel.
• Provide information regarding services and resources available to victims.
• Monitor court action and collect data in correct format.
• Liaison with court and law enforcement personnel
• Expedite referral to offender program (DVIP)
• Train new advocates in the field.
• Provide appropriate referrals and community resources to victims.
• Assist victims with developing safety plans, filling out protection order petitions, Crime Victims Compensation packets and explaining Crime Victims Bill of Rights.
• Accompany victims as requested to non-scheduled court events such as protection order hearings.
• Work in conjunction with all other program components and staff to ensure effective communication of all client concerns, recommendations, and needs.
• Receive, return and record all incoming phone calls.
• Maintain the assigned office phone log and report totals at the end of the month to designated staff member.

Coordinated Community Response

• Obtain local crime/violence statistics.
• Identify potential community partners.
• Coordinate quarterly Coordinated Community Response (CCR) team meetings.
• Develop CCR Policies and Practices with CCR team utilizing the Duluth Model as an example.
• Provide and coordinate intensive trainings for CCR team and community regarding domestic violence.
• Research, track and report on city, state, and federal legislative issues regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide.

Agency Compliance

• Maintain comprehensive and organized files utilizing the automated data and case management system.
• Adhere to the agency’s confidentiality policies, maintaining a high level standard of confidentiality
• Compile and accurately report all applicable program statistics and educational activities on time and as directed.
• Report any known or suspected child abuse to immediate supervisor
• Report any suspicious activity or persons
• Attend and participate in agency staff meetings and trainings
• Report to work on time as scheduled
• Maintain a valid driver license and proof of required automobile insurance
• Perform all other duties and/or participate in special projects as assigned by direct supervisor or Chief Executive Officer.

Other

• Participate in hurricane evacuation and facility preparation.
• In case of emergencies and extreme circumstances, will be required to assist with 24-hour shelter coverage
• Work in conjunction with other program components and staff to ensure effective communication of agency and client concerns, recommendations, and needs.

POSITION: COURT ADVOCATE – FULL TIME

STATUS: Non-Exempt

LOCATION: Porter/Hancock

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Chief Advocacy Officer

HOURS: Full-Time 40-hour work week Monday-Friday, some evening and weekend work will be required.

SUMMARY: Position provides court advocacy and support services to victims of interpersonal violence.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Essential position requirements include but are not limited to: High school diploma or GED. One (1) year experience or training in areas of criminal justice and/or victim services, preferred.

Must be able to work effectively with a diverse group of clients, staff and individuals in the criminal justice systems.

Ability to work diplomatically in order to gain and maintain professional relationships with court officials and law enforcement.

Ability to work with minimal supervision, as well as in a team environment.

Ability to express complex information and ideas both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work within agency mission, philosophy and policies/procedures.

Must have a reliable vehicle and meet agency driving policy requirements, including a valid driver license and proof of required automobile insurance. Travel required.

General physical requirements include but are not limited to: bending, stooping, climbing stairs, prolonged sitting of more than 4 hours.

DUTIES:

Court Advocacy

• Attend assigned court sessions and non-scheduled court accompaniments.
• Maintain a visible, professional and accessible presence in court environment.
• Identify victims of domestic violence attending court and establish contact.
• Provide information to attendant victims regarding judicial process and court personnel.
• Provide information regarding services and resources available to victims.
• Monitor court action and collect data in correct format.
• Liaison with court and law enforcement personnel
• Expedite referral to offender program (DVIP)
• Assist in training new advocates in the field.
• Provide appropriate referrals and community resources to victims.
• Assist victims with developing safety plans, filling out protection order petitions, Crime Victims Compensation packets and explaining Crime Victims Bill of Rights.
• Accompany victims as requested to non-scheduled court events such as protection order hearings.
• Work in conjunction with all other program components and staff to ensure effective communication of all client concerns, recommendations, and needs.
• Receive, return and record all incoming phone calls

Other Duties

• Participate in hurricane evacuation and facility preparation.
• In case of emergencies and extreme circumstances, will be required to assist with 24-hour shelter coverage
• Work in conjunction with other program components and staff to ensure effective communication of agency and client concerns, recommendations, and needs.

Agency Compliance

• Maintain comprehensive and organized files utilizing the automated data and case management system, APRICOT.
• Adhere to the agency’s confidentiality policies, maintaining a high level standard of confidentiality
• Compile and accurately report all applicable program statistics and educational activities on time and as directed.
• Report any known or suspected child abuse to immediate supervisor
• Report any suspicious activity or persons
• Attend and participate in agency staff meetings and trainings
• Report to work on time as scheduled
• Maintain a valid driver license and proof of required automobile insurance
• Perform all other duties and/or participate in special projects as assigned by direct supervisor or Chief Executive Officer.