REPORTS TO: Director of Operations
FLSA STATUS: Salary Non-Exempt, Full Time
Salary: $45,000
Due By: June 1, 2024

Please e-mail resumes to: safe@fjcsafe.org with the subject line Resume: Petition Advocate

The Family Justice Center of Erie County (FJC) is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their children. The Petition Advocate provides an essential service within the advocacy process by assisting clients in the preparation and drafting of family offense petitions and working collaboratively with advocates and Erie County Family Court. The FJC will provide comprehensive training on all aspects of essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide immediate support, crisis intervention, counseling, risk assessment, safety planning and referrals to FJC clients with a focus on emergency family offense petition assistance and court advocacy. This includes all core services in accordance with Part 462 of the New York State Social Services regulations.
• Assistance with creating and delivering culturally sensitive services and solutions tailored to vulnerable populations among FJC clients to address their unique or non-traditional service needs.
• Provide FJC clients with court advocacy, assistance, and support including information on court processes, safety plans, and accessing legal remedies and protections.
• Conduct trauma-informed interviews of FJC clients to obtain necessary information for emergency family offense petitions.
• Draft petitions through LawHelp digital platform or other platform as directed by Family Court.
• Provide virtual and in-person court accompaniment for initial and follow-up hearings as needed.
• Assist with maintaining family offense petition schedule and outcomes.
• In-depth understanding of Danger Assessment tool, both answers and scoring and strangulation as it relates to domestic violence.
• Adhere to and enforce an understanding of Client Confidentiality protocols.
• Collaborate with FJC Client Staff on client needs, resources, and legal options.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Assist with administrative duties as needed.
• Advocates may be required to cover shifts at multiple locations including: Orchard Park, Grand Island, East Side, and downtown Buffalo.
• Report to and perform all other duties as assigned by CEO and Director of Operations
• Engage in a collaborative working relationship with a variety of stakeholders (including Law Enforcement Agencies, community service and legal organizations, Family, Civil and Criminal Courts).

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in social work, criminal justice, legal studies or related field,
• Exceptional written, interpersonal, and communication skills,
• Effectively communicate with diverse populations,
• Ability to understand and practice trauma-informed service model,
• Ability to multi-task, respond to rapidly changing situations; organize, prioritize, and perform work with minimal supervision,
• Able to work in a team and independently,
• Highly organized and very effective time management skills,
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Family Justice Center of Erie County.