Community Based Service Court Advocate

Job Title: Community Based Service Court Advocate                                            

Department: Domestic Violence

Reports to: Manager of DV Services                                                                                               

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Worcester Court House                     

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.