Position Description:
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Court Advocate is primarily responsible for providing empathic, nonjudgmental support and direct case management services to victims/survivors of intersecting violence and abuse through the agency's 24-hour hotline, Family Justice Center, Sullivan County offices, and community-based organizations and systems.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
Founded in 1986, Fearless! Hudson Valley has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a leading organization supporting survivors and advancing systemic change across Orange and Sullivan Counties, NY. Our work is grounded in building an informed, just, and accountable society where all people can experience safe, supportive relationships free from abuse, exploitation, and oppression. We advance this mission through education, prevention, advocacy, and comprehensive services—including shelter—for individuals impacted by interpersonal violence, human trafficking, sexual violence, and other forms of victimization.
WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED IN THIS ROLE
This role operates in a fast-paced, crisis-oriented environment where competing demands are the norm. Success requires strong judgment, adaptability, and a grounded, client-centered approach. The following reflects how we work and the skills, attributes, and approaches that support success:
Managing Priorities & Staying Grounded
- Manage multiple responsibilities at once, follow through on commitments, and maintain attention to detail—even when priorities shift quickly.
- Remain focused and effective in high-pressure or crisis situations.
Mission Alignment & Commitment to the Work
- Approach your work through a mission-driven lens, aligning with our commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and social change.
- Actively engage in work that challenges systems of oppression and advances equity.
Client-Centered & Culturally Responsive Practice
- Lead with empathy and respect, prioritizing the autonomy, dignity, and needs of clients.
- Engage effectively across diverse backgrounds, applying culturally responsive and inclusive practices.
- Identify barriers to service and take initiative to problem-solve in support of client access and success.
Collaboration & Communication
- Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with colleagues, clients, and community partners.
- Communicate clearly and thoughtfully, listen actively, and adapt your approach to different audiences and situations.
Judgment, Accountability & Professional Boundaries
- Exercise sound judgment and make timely, well-reasoned decisions, especially in crisis situations.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and demonstrate integrity and accountability in your work.
Adaptability & Continuous Growth
- Demonstrate flexibility and resilience, adjusting to changing priorities while staying aligned with the mission.
- Seek out opportunities for learning, reflection, and professional growth to strengthen your impact.
BASE QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience: A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent work experience in providing Direct Crisis Counseling and Advocacy Services.
Technical Skills: Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Office programs and have experience with client management software
License & Transportation: Valid Driver's License, Auto Insurance, and reliable transportation to travel between the agency's office sites and other locations throughout the service region.
Physical Demands: Physical demands include but are not limited to long periods of sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 50 pounds, and navigating stairs.
ADDITIONAL VALUE
- Demonstrated ability to navigate and connect across diverse cultural contexts, applying cultural awareness and responsiveness in practice.
- Direct experience working within residential settings, social services, and community-based agencies is preferred.
- Spanish language fluency with demonstrated ability to provide translation support, including experience providing written and/or verbal translation with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and cultural context.
POSITION COMPENSATION, CLASS, AND SCHEDULE
Position Title: Court Advocate Reports To: Legal Advocacy Program Manager
Classification/Status: Full-Time, Non-exempt Pay Rate: Hourly Rate Range $24.03- $25.48
Primary Worksite: Sullivan County Government Center, Monticello NY
Work Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with flexibility around evenings, weekends, and holidays; primarily business hours with some evening shifts required; minimum one holiday per year required.
Travel Requirements: Travel required between the agency's office sites and other locations throughout the service region.
CORE PERFORMANCE & RESPONSIBILITIES
Advocacy & Program Specific Responsibilities
- Provide culturally informed, comprehensive trauma-responsive crisis intervention in person and via Crisis Hotline. Including, but not limited to: nonjudgmental, supportive individual or group counseling, assessments, shelter screenings, and intake interviews.
- Facilitate advocacy and accompaniment services, assistance in preparing court documents, accessing support and services through other agencies, and transportation.
- Provide accompaniment and systems guidance within courts, probation, police agencies, hospitals, and other social services agencies and includes assistance in preparing court documents and accessing support and services through other agencies.
- Support Safety planning and conduct risk assessments.
- Conduct outreach and follow-up contact (as safe and appropriate).
- Share information and referrals to outside agencies and providers (i.e., legal, housing, transportation, and economic options).
- Assist clients in exploring options regarding the legal system, housing, and economic/financial options, and advocate with community agencies, including DSS, medical providers, courts, counseling agencies, housing agencies, Social Security, etc.
- Provide clients with information regarding the NYS Office of Victims Services, assist with filing applications for OVS compensation, and serve as a liaison between clients and OVS.
- Work closely and collaboratively with the Legal Advocacy Program Manager and other supervisory staff, as appropriate, to understand and accomplish position responsibilities.
- Work closely and collaboratively with agency staff within the Family Justice Center, residential settings, and collocated office spaces.
- Work closely and collaboratively with community partner organizations while supporting the advocacy needs of clients.
- Provide on-call advocacy outside of traditional business hours, as scheduled.
- As appropriate, engage in ongoing learning and development by proactively participating in webinars, in-service, and external training.
Safety & Hygiene
- Actively engaging in basic housekeeping, maintenance, organization of donations, and other assigned tasks.
- Proactively monitor the overall condition of the agency and ensure the maintenance of a clean, welcoming environment for individuals accessing services.
- Attend to overall facility maintenance and repairs.
- Adhere to and uphold agency policies and protocols related to clients' physical safety and the safety of electronic client service records.
Administrative & Agency Responsibilities
- Attend and actively participate in supervision with the Family Justice Center Manager, program-specific and agency-wide meetings, training, awareness month activities, and agency events.
- Maintain the confidentiality of clients, staff, volunteers, and agency information. Exceptions include information pertaining to child abuse, danger to self or others, or in response to an authorized release of information.
- Maintain the highest levels of accuracy in recordkeeping and reporting, ensuring that all client records and documentation of work activities are complete and up-to-date and submitted to the supervisor, as directed.
- Adhere to agency policies and protocols related to the security of electronic client service records, operational responsibilities, and
- Ensure timely response and follow-up to email communication and voicemail messages.
- Staff members are encouraged to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties, including other duties as assigned by immediate and other supervisors.
Conditions of Employment:
Fearless! Hudson Valley is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, culturally inclusive work environment and prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services. All are encouraged to apply.
All jobs are contingent upon successfully completing certain background checks, including criminal history, employment verification, education verification, DMV checks, State Central Registry, State Exclusion List, and fingerprinting, unless prohibited by applicable law.
This description reflects the principal functions of the job for job evaluation. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all job work requirements, nor shall it be construed as giving exclusive responsibility for every function described.
