Criminalized Survivor Advocate
Summary: The Criminal Court Program offers case management and practical assistance to victims of crime and abuse. The overall goal of the program is to reduce the impact of victimization through advocacy, case management, and support services. The Criminalized Survivor Advocates will provide direct case management, advocacy, and emotional support to survivors of intimate partner and other forms of gender-based violence who have been criminalized for their efforts to survive or resist abusive partner behavior.
Essential Job Functions: Provide survivor-centered emotional support and case management to criminalized survivors of gender-based violence; i.e., victims/survivors of gender-based violence who are also criminal defendants or who have been arrested for crimes related to their abuse; When possible, accompany criminalized survivors to their court appearances and actively engage with their defense attorney and other members of the defense team; Advocate with court personnel (Judges, Court Clerks, Court Officers, civil legal attorneys, etc.) and the criminal justice system on behalf of clients; Provide technical support to other Safe Horizon staff within the Criminal and Family Court Programs who are working with criminalized survivors; Provide information regarding the criminal and civil court processes, court procedures and the types of relief available, including Orders of Protection; Provide safety planning and risk assessment; Refer victims to shelters and link victims to community-based and government resources as needed; Assist clients with relocation and housing; Provide emergency practical assistance including compensation, transportation, food vouchers, financial assistance, and lock replacement; Attend internal and external meetings, trainings and workshops; Maintain thorough and accurate case records and statistics; Various other duties to be determined by supervisor. Interacts with:
Criminal Court personnel (court clerks, court officers, etc.) District Attorney's Office and defense attorneys Family Justice Center staff NYPD NYCHA and Section 8 staff Local social service and legal service providers Knowledge and Skills: Required:
Sensitivity towards and understanding of victimization, especially the experience of survivors of intimate partner and other forms of gender-based violence who have been criminalized for their efforts to survive or resist abusive partner behavior. Strong advocacy, communication, and organizational skills; Ability to work under pressure in a calm and reassuring manner. Ability to work as part of a team while also independently generating tasks. Desirable:
Understanding of the dynamics of gender-based violence and systems of oppression; Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and other victims of crime; Commitment to practicing from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive stance; Experience with the criminal justice/civil legal systems; Bilingual in Spanish or another language strongly preferred Education: Required:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience Location: The person in this role will split their time between Brooklyn and SI Criminal Courts. If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon's rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
Technology Statement:
Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.
Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf
