Volunteer District Court Advocate (Misdemeanors) - Job Description
Purpose of Position
To assist Victim Advocates in providing support and referral services to victims of domestic violence whose partners or family members are charged with a misdemeanor domestic violence offense(s).
Primary Court Locations
Representative Examples of Work Performed
- Assist Victim Advocates in preparing client files;
- Organize files for court hearings;
- Assist in copying forms and reports;
- Send out domestic violence packets to victim/witnesses;
- Provide information on how the court system works;
- Assist with necessary record keeping;
- Sort through mail;
- Assist petitioners in court hearings;
- Provide follow-up information and support;
- Provide community referral information.
Ability to work independently, follow-through on given assignments and exercise initiative and good judgment;
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor regarding highly critical issues involving confidentiality and discretion;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, judges, court staff, other agencies, employees and the public;
- Ability to work under pressure and with sensitive issues;
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing;
- Ability to work with persons of diverse ages, races, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, etc.;
- Strong interest in providing service to victims of domestic violence;
- Completion of a 36 hour Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Training through the Volunteer Program of the Prosecuting Attorney's office;
General Requirements
- Strong interest in providing service to victims of domestic violence;
- Completion of a 36 hour Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Training through the Volunteer Program of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office;
- No criminal law violations as evidenced through a criminal background check.
Time Requirements
Applicants should have an availability of a minimum of seven hours per week between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. We also ask for volunteers to make at least a six-month commitment to the program.
Dated: May 26, 2004 |
