SAFEPLAN ADVOCATE - Gardner District court

The SAFEPLAN Court Advocate represents the YWCA Central Massachusetts and its mission by providing critical support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking within a court-based setting. This role involves offering advocacy, safety planning, and assistance navigating the legal system, including obtaining and maintaining M.G.L. c. 209A protective orders. The SAFEPLAN Court Advocate will act as a liaison between SAFEPLAN and Domestic Violence Services, ensuring that victims receive the resources and support they need to navigate the legal system and achieve safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide court-based advocacy services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and their families
• Provide confidential and comprehensive direct services to victims who come to court seeking protection from abuse
• Provide support, referrals, and empowerment advocacy to victims of domestic violence who are in the court system
• Provide information regarding the judicial system, both criminal and civil
• Appear in court and advocate on behalf of the Program Participant with representatives of law enforcement, prosecution, and court
• Assist with arrangements for additional legal services
• Assess participants’ needs
• Assess lethality of participants’ situation
• Assist Program Participant with adaptation and development of safety plan
• Maintain and report statistical measurements as required
• Maintain documentation as required
• Refer/advocate victims to community resources as necessary
• Maintain current knowledge of domestic violence
• Other duties and tasks as assigned by Supervisor/Manager

• Ability to advocate for victims of domestic violence in court settings.
• Knowledge of the legal system, particularly in relation to domestic violence, protective orders, and related court processes - preferred
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to explain complex legal information in a clear, accessible manner.
• Empathetic, non-judgmental, and capable of providing trauma-informed care to victims.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional boundaries with clients.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to work effectively with law enforcement, court officials, and other professionals
• Prior experience in advocacy, crisis intervention, and safety planning is highly desirable
• Valid MA driver’s license

YWCA is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer.

Survivors of domestic or sexual violence, people of color, people with disabilities, people who are bilingual/bicultural, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.