SafeNest Legal Advocate: Attend Court Proceedings to Aid Domestic Abuse Clients

VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION: Assistance and support victims of Domestic Violence by attending TPO Court Proceedings to prepare, support and engage with victims.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE

• Arriving 15 minutes prior to court shift beginning
• Approaching people in the TPO Court waiting area to determine if a victim of Domestic Violence
• Provide assistance and support to SafeNest clients as needed at TPO Court
• Offer assistance, court preparation, & support to victims of Domestic Violence prior to court hearings
• Offer support to victims of domestic violence during court hearings
• Discuss safety planning with victims of Domestic Violence
• Provide resources to victims of Domestic Violence
• Input statistical client information into SafeNest’s database via a personal electronic device
• Enter beginning and ending volunteer time in SafeNest data base via a personal electronic device
• Attend Volunteer meetings as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Available during daytime court hours between 8:00am-12:00noon
• Ability to keep all client information confidential
• A basic understanding of domestic violence and its dynamics
• Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds (economic, cultural, educational religious etc.)
• Strong listening skills
• Ability to remain calm and focused in a high stress environment
• Ability to multitask effectively as needed
• Must be proficient in speaking, reading & writing English
• Ability to be prompt, responsible, dependable, organized and professional
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to communicate concerns as well as receive constructive feedback

TIME COMMITMENT

• Designated 3 to 5 hour shift (same day) each week at Family TPO Court

SCREENING

• Volunteers are expected to complete a screening process, which may include the following:
• Completion of SafeNest Volunteer application
• In-person/Telephonic interview with the SafeNest Volunteer Services Director
• Passing of required background check

TRAINING

TPO Court Volunteers are expected to complete the following prerequisites:

• Completion of SafeNest’s Domestic Violence Training (approximately 20 hours)
• Completion of 4-hour specific TPO Court Volunteer Training with Program Supervisor
• Completion of TPO Court hearings observance with SafeNest staff or established TPO Court Volunteer (approximately 3.25 to 4.25 hours)
• Completion of a minimum 2 Shadow Training sessions with an established SafeNest TPO Court Volunteer (approximately 3.25 to 4.25 hours each training)
• Completion of SafeNest data entry system with IT department (approximately 2 hours)
• Completion of SafeNest Stat training with Program Supervisor (approximately 2 hours)