SAFEPLAN Advocate_Hampshire Probate and Family Court_FT

he YWCA of Western MA is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering survivors. The YW provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Our programs and services include crisis shelter and transitional housing for survivors and their families, counseling, SAFEPLAN court advocacy, community education, supervised visitation, and vocational training for youth. The YWCA provides services at several sites, including Holyoke, Northampton, Westfield, and our primary Springfield campus.

The YWCA is seeking a SAFEPLAN advocate based in the Hampshire Probate and Family Court. The SAFEPLAN Advocate provides safety planning, information about the court process and options, assistance in the drafting of legal documentation, and daily court advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and stalking, as well as their children. They provide referrals to the YWCA, other domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking programs, criminal justice victim services, community social service programs, and the District Attorney’s office as necessary to meet the needs of survivors.

Department: Community Support Programs           

Reports to: Senior SAFEPLAN Advocate         

Schedule: Full time, 37.5 hours/week Monday—Friday, 8:30am– 4:30pm, with flexibility to meet program needs

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Hampshire Probate and Family Court

Starting Rate: $24.50/hour

Primary Responsibilities for the position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide information regarding legal options and associated paperwork, including but not limited to, applications for restraining and harassment orders;
• Assists with 209A or 258E application paperwork;
• Provide counseling, support, and follow up with referrals made to the YWCA, other programs, criminal justice victim services, community social service programs and the district attorney’s office as necessary to meet the needs of victims;
• Ensure ongoing program documentation and evaluation, as well as required SAFEPLAN documentation in accordance with contract obligations, ethical and confidentiality standards and/or best practices;
• Conduct weekly data reporting and submit monthly data to supervisor 
• Work with MOVA, victim witness advocates, agency staff, court/criminal justice personnel and other service programs to improve services to victims and provide a continuum of care
• Provide daily court advocacy (remotely or at the YWCA Headquarters) and safety planning to survivors of domestic violence and their children that reside in Springfield, for SAFEPLAN;

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree, required 
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a related human service field or criminal justice;
• Experience working with Domestic and Sexual Violence survivors;
• Minimum 1 years’ experience with victims of domestic violence; 
• Familiarity with and ability to navigate legal/court systems, processes, and issues pertaining to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and/or harassment; 
• Functional knowledge of relevant laws and regulations; 
• Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner;
• Knowledge of outreach service delivery and community resources; 
• Experience with networking, collaborating with agencies and other community resources; 
• Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills, including strong computer skills;
• Reliable transportation and/or reliable car and valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

This position is covered under the CBA (union) and is subject to union dues.

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD

All employment at the YWCA begins with a 150-day Introductory Period.