Community Based Service Court Advocate

Community Based Service Court Advocate

YWCA Central Massachusetts - Worcester, MA

Overview

Salary Range $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Education Level High School Travel Percentage Negligible Category Nonprofit - Social Services

Description

Job Title: Community Based Service Court Advocate Department: Domestic Violence

Reports to: Manager of DV Services Effective Date: November 2025

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Worcester Court House Remote Position: No

Job Summary:

The Community-Based Services Court Advocate provides comprehensive support and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence across District and Family & Probate Courts, Police Departments, and community settings. This role offers crisis intervention, safety planning, systems navigation, and emotional support to participants.

The Advocate serves as a liaison within the courthouse, helping participants connect with key partners such as the District Attorney's Office, Victim Witness Advocates, Clerk's Office, Court Clinic, Probation, and other community resources. The position supports individuals navigating both criminal and civil court matters, including Family and Probate cases, ensuring survivors have access to information, resources, and meaningful support.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and individual advocacy to survivors of domestic violence in courthouse, police department, and agency settings.
• Serve as a liaison within the courthouse, supporting participants in navigating court processes and connecting with appropriate personnel and resources.
• Assist participants in connecting with Victim Witness Advocates, Assistant District Attorneys, Clerk's Office staff, Court Clinic, Probation, and other relevant court partners.
• Offer support to participants involved in District Court and Family & Probate Court matters.
• Collaborate with SAFEPLAN, WIN, CBS and other agency advocates to ensure coordinated, comprehensive services.
• Assess participant needs, including identifying high-risk situations, and facilitate access to shelter, protective orders, and other supportive services as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with court personnel and community partners.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation of services in accordance with agency policies and funder requirements.
• Collect and manage required statistics and data for program evaluation and reporting.
• Provide consultation and general information to court personnel regarding safety planning and domestic violence dynamics, as appropriate.
• Maintain strict adherence to confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional boundaries.
• Attend agency meetings, in-service trainings, and ongoing professional development.
• Develop and maintain community resource connections to strengthen service delivery.
• Adhere to all YWCA policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bilingual preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with professionals and team members in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and uphold confidentiality.
• Empathetic, non-judgmental, with active listening skills to support clients in distress.
• Strong crisis assessment and intervention abilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficient in computer skills including data entry and documentation.

Education and Experience:

• Knowledge and understanding of domestic violence, family violence, and related issues such as substance abuse, mental health, crisis intervention, and individual/group counseling.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Familiarity with community resources and how to connect clients to available services.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.