Court Advocate Program Manager

The Safe Harbor Court Advocate Program Manager provides client-centered advocacy services to individuals seeking protective orders through the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The primary responsibilities of this position include providing crisis intervention, emotional support, courtroom accompaniment, safety planning, and assistance navigating the protective order process while connecting survivors to additional domestic violence resources and services.

In addition to direct client advocacy, the Court Advocate Program Manager is responsible for oversight of the Court Advocacy Program, including supervision of Court Advocates, interns, and volunteers, coordination of program operations, and ensuring the delivery of trauma-informed, survivor-centered services.

As a member of Safe Harbor’s Leadership Team, this position participates in organizational leadership initiatives, collaboration efforts, operational planning, and agency-wide communication.

The Court Advocate Program Manager reports directly to the Senior Director of Operations.

Key Responsibilities

Supportive Services

• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to survivors in distress.
• Assist clients with navigating the protective order process, including paperwork assistance and courtroom accompaniment.
• Support clients during court proceedings by providing emotional regulation support and grounding techniques when needed.
• Provide information regarding Safe Harbor services, including emergency shelter, counseling services, support groups, advocacy services, and the 24-hour hotline.
• Maintain a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach in all client interactions.

Safety Planning

• Provide individualized safety planning to survivors, including emergency shelter options, escape planning, emergency communication options, victim rights information, and home safety strategies.
• Collaborate with Victim/Witness Advocates and court personnel to support client safety while at court.
• Assist survivors in identifying ongoing safety concerns and support needs following court proceedings.

Follow-Up Services

• Contact clients following court proceedings to reassess service needs and provide ongoing support.
• Provide information regarding victims’ rights, court procedures, evidence submission, and self-advocacy strategies.
• Facilitate referrals and warm hand-offs to Safe Harbor programs and external community resources.

Education & Resource Services

• Provide education regarding domestic violence dynamics, trauma responses, healthy relationships, and the impact of domestic violence on children and families.
• Educate clients about protective orders, including the different types of orders, court expectations, and available protections.
• Assist clients in accessing services through the Henrico County Victim/Witness Program and additional community-based resources.
• Maintain knowledge of available legal, housing, counseling, and financial assistance resources within the community.

Program Management & Supervision

• Supervise Court Advocates and provide regular supervision, support, accountability, and performance feedback.
• Supervise interns and volunteers participating within the Court Advocacy Program.
• Oversee volunteer involvement within the Court Advocacy Program, including scheduling, engagement, and ongoing communication.
• Train staff, volunteers, and interns on protective orders, safety planning, court processes, confidentiality, and trauma-informed advocacy practices.
• Coordinate volunteer collection of client feedback and satisfaction surveys.
• Interview, onboard, train, and supervise interns as needed.
• Monitor program operations to ensure consistency, professionalism, and alignment with Safe Harbor policies and procedures.
• Assist with ensuring adequate court coverage and communication with court personnel during staffing transitions or schedule changes.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Attend and actively participate in Leadership Team meetings, program planning discussions, and organizational initiatives.
• Attend Board Meetings and provide program updates when requested.
• Collaborate with leadership and other departments to support continuity of care, operational consistency, and organizational goals.
• Assist with tracking program goals, outcomes, and data collection to support grant reporting and program evaluation.
• Support agency-wide initiatives, operational improvements, and trauma-informed organizational practices.

Administrative & Documentation Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation in accordance with agency policies and funder requirements.
• Track program data, client statistics, volunteer hours, and outcome measures as required.
• Assist with program reports, board reports, grant reporting, and data collection needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, leadership meetings, and community collaborations as required.
• Ensure compliance with agency confidentiality standards, documentation requirements, and court-related procedures.

Community Collaboration & Partnerships

• Maintain positive working relationships with court personnel, Victim/Witness staff, law enforcement, attorneys, and community partners.
• Participate in community meetings and collaborative efforts related to victim advocacy and domestic violence response systems.
• Support outreach and awareness efforts related to domestic violence, victim rights, and Safe Harbor services.

Professional Standards & Accountability

• Demonstrate commitment to Safe Harbor’s mission, values, and trauma-informed framework.
• Maintain ethical standards, professional boundaries, and confidentiality at all times.
• Provide services in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and required trainings.
• Remain calm, organized, and professional while responding to crisis situations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field preferred.
• Experience in domestic violence advocacy, victim services, crisis intervention, or court advocacy preferred.
• Supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed care and domestic violence dynamics.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in high-stress environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems preferred.
• Attendance and participation in Leadership Team meetings and Board Meetings preferred.
• Availability to occasionally work evening or weekend hours as needed.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Salary:

55,000k-57,000k, based on experience

Benefits:

PTO, Paid Holidays, Health, Dental, and Life Insurance, and 401K Match after 1 year of employment