Court Advocate

Position Summary: Responsible for liaising and working with criminal court stakeholders to assess, screen and advocate for individuals (youth and adults) to be placed in CCA’s alternative to incarceration and alternative to detention programs (ATI/ATD); developing written, client specific ATI/ATD plans and preparing written court reports detailing clients’ progress and participation in ATI/ATD programming. This job provides exposure to all criminal justice stakeholders and permits regular courtroom appearances.

Direct Supervisor: Assistant Director of Court Services

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Screen court-related documents to identify eligible candidates for CCA’s ATD/ATI programs;
• Liaise with defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges;
• Interview prospective clients, both currently incarcerated and in the community.
• Collect and review additional information through interviews of family members and other collateral sources.
• Advocate before the court for the release of clients to CCA’s ATD/ATI programs.
• Prepare and present written and verbal reports to the court regarding clients’ participation in ATD/ATI programming;
• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and collaborate with counselors/case managers, support staff, and clinical team, to assist clients in achieving their individualized goals and satisfying court mandates.
• Assist with the coordination of services to clients, ensuring that all court appearances are covered, and the necessary plans and follow-up reports are timely submitted.
• Record accurate information on all activities, including court proceedings and appearance outcomes related to clients’ cases;
• Track displacement, referral, intake and other related statistics for program reporting.
• Promote CCA’s ATI/ATD programs and explain program requirements to clients and criminal justice stakeholders;
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and other criminal justice stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to working with disenfranchised individuals from all walks of life. Relevant personal experience is a plus.
• Ability to get access to the courts through an Office of Court Administration Secure Pass.
• High school diploma or GED/HSE required; bachelor’s degree or MSW, preferred.
• Previous court advocacy experience preferred;
• Computer literacy (word processing, e-mail, internet research, data entry) required;
• Knowledge of the structure and procedures of the Criminal Legal System and its terminology required;
• Strong oral and written communications skills required;
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

At CCA, we are committed to fair transparent pay, and we strive to provide competitive market-informed compensation. The successful candidate's salary is determined by the combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, and geography.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME.

12 paid holidays per year

• 20 days of earned time off (ETO) for full-time staff, with ability to use after 90-days of employment.
• Time off is earned starting on your first day.
• 7 days of paid sick time
• 100% paid family leave
• 3% retirement contribution regardless of employee contribution, applicable to salary after the 1st 6 months of employment

CCA Website: HERE