Avenues for Justice Court Advocate

General Responsibilities

1. Understand, practice and promote the vision, mission, and values of the organization.
2. Provide court advocacy, direct services and second chances for young people in New York City, diverting them from incarceration, engagement with law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
3. Maintain a caseload of at least 40 Participants, monitor active legal proceedings and serve as an advocate for Participants during court proceedings.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Interview Participants referred for assistance.
2. Develop an individualized plan for each Participant which includes comprehensive counseling, crisis intervention, referrals for treatment, supervision and court advocacy as needed.
3. Establish and maintain trust and rapport with each assigned Participant and their family.
4. Outreach and develop partnerships with all sectors of the court system, criminal justice system and represent the agency at events and outreach forums.
5. Develop and maintain rapport with community stakeholders, peer and partner organizations, schools, and community leaders.
6. Maintain progress on all Participants and submit summary statistical/data and progress reports on a regular basis.
7. Perform all other duties as assigned by the Chief Program Officer and Manager of Court Advocacy and Outreach.

Additional Qualifications

• • A bachelor’s degree is required, but candidates with demonstrated experience with youth and/or the juvenile justice field or lived experience will be considered.
  • The position also requires the ability to communicate effectively with youth and young adults, parents, court personnel and key stakeholders in the criminal justice system.
  • Strong computer literacy in Word, Excel, and database management systems is a must.
  • Spanish fluency is a plus.

All full-time employees receive an excellent benefits package including health and dental insurance, a 401k retirement plan, sick and paid vacation time.

Spanish fluency is a plus.