Family Justice Center Clinical Advocate

STEPS Criminalized Survivors Program – Rising Ground’s anti‑intimate partner violence program offers a variety of trauma‑informed, anti‑oppressive programming focused on the prevention of intimate partner violence (IPV); advocacy and healing for survivors and children impacted by abusive partner behavior; and training intended to increase awareness of the epidemic of gender‑based violence. Since the program’s founding in 1986, STEPS has been deliberately dedicated to engaging in work that is innovative and deeply survivor‑centered and works to promote the idea that support for survivors of IPV that is not aligned with anti‑oppressive, anti‑racist, feminist/womanist principles tends to unintentionally mimic systems of oppression, and is ultimately, re‑traumatizing and ineffective. For over 30 years, the STEPS Criminalized Survivors Program has offered comprehensive clinical and legal support services to survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) or other forms of gender‑based violence (GBV) who have been criminalized for their efforts to survive or resist abusive partner behavior. We support survivors facing felony and/or misdemeanor charges in any borough. In addition, STEPS CSP has a designated Advocate/Counselor serving criminalized survivors on‑site at the Manhattan and Brooklyn Family Justice Centers, and a Training team that helps lead the City’s whole‑City response to criminalized survivors. About The Role The Clinical Advocate will provide direct counseling and emotional support, rigorous advocacy, and case management to criminalized survivors facing felony and/or misdemeanor charges in any borough, and will provide after‑care as needed. The Clinical Advocate will collaborate with defense attorneys and other providers and stakeholders in support of criminalized survivors and will engage in evidence‑based assessment and service planning in partnership with survivors. What You’ll Do Provide survivor‑centered counseling and emotional support to criminalized survivors of gender‑based violence (GBV) using evidence‑based interventions adopted by the program Design and facilitate support groups for criminalized survivors of GBV Engage in intensive legal advocacy in collaboration with defense teams and prepare written reports When possible, accompany criminalized survivors to their court appearances and actively engage with their defense team and other providers Actively and collaboratively participate in weekly supervision and team meetings, as well as other meetings and trainings Record all case notes in a timely manner using STEPS’ electronic case management system and carefully maintain case files Other tasks as assigned by STEPS CSP leadership Your Qualifications LMSW, LMHC or other relevant graduate degree required Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred Strong and dynamic counseling and advocacy skills Nuanced understanding of the dynamics of gender‑based violence and systems of oppression Meaningful commitment to practicing from an anti‑oppressive, healing‑centered stance High level of self‑awareness and ability to give and receive feedback well Impeccable attention to detail, systems, and processes Ability to work with flexibility, independence, accountability, passion, and humor Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Supervisory Responsibility No Work Environment Clinic/Field Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work This is a full‑time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday between our Brooklyn office, 111 Livingston Street, 20th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Work hours are 10am‑6pm and the Manhattan and Brooklyn Family Justice Centers. Additional Requirements Authorized to work in the U.S. Ability to work in‑person in New York City (NY) for at least 3 days or more per week. Ability to travel to other Rising Ground sites (if required) Ability to travel within the community Benefits Offerings Includes 11 Paid Holidays Paid Sick Time Paid Vacation Paid Personal days Insurance Coverage Medical - 3 plan options Dental - 2 plan options Vision - 1 plan option #J-18808-Ljbffr Rising Ground