Court Advocate

Job DetailsJob LocationNew York County Court - New York, NYPosition TypeFull TimeSalary Range$50,000.00 - $62,000.00 SalaryyearDescriptionTitle: Court AdvocateUnit: Court AdvocacyReports to: Director of Court Advocacy Status: Full Time; Regular; Non-ExemptSalary Range: $27.47 to $34.07 (approximately $50,000 to $62,000 annually)Location: Manhattan Court, 100 Centre StreetDaysHours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pmPosition Summary:Responsible for working with court stakeholders to assess and screen, and advocate for individuals to be placed in Fortune's Alternative to Detention (ATD) or Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) programs, and report to the court regarding clients' participation in programming.Mission, Culture and FitThe Court Advocate needs to match the mission and culture of Fortune, including, meeting a client there they are at; engaging participants with a non-judgmental, inclusive attitude; holding space for trauma associated with criminal justice involvement and incarceration; and helping them to believe in their power to municationThe Court Advocate must be able to communicate effectively, both written and orally with defense and district attorneys, judges, other court parties, internal program staff and participants. The Court Advocate must understand the role of each of these stakeholders and how to communicate with all.Time ManagementCourt can be a fast paced, unpredictable, chaotic environment. Court Advocates are tasked with communicating with court parties, managing multiple in-person court appearances, some of which occur at the same time, conducting client screenings and assessments, fielding calls from active clients and internal and external program staff and participating in case conferences. Prioritizing the above is imperative in being able to manage the work and do it itiativeCourt Advocates are the doorway for many of our Fortune clients. It takes initiative to get cases, follow them through to plea and finally completion and sentencing. While many time cases are brought to the Court Advocate by the defense or district attorney, more often than not, the Court Advocate needs to take the lead by going after appropriate cases and then approaching the attorneys and potential participants. This takes confidence, drive and ambition.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Screen court calendars and court related documents to identify eligible candidates for Fortune's ATDATI programs; Liaise with defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges; Interview prospective clients, both currently incarcerated and in the community;Advocate before the court for the release of clients to Fortune's ATDATI programs;Present written and verbal reports to the court regarding client's participation in ATDATI programming;Collaborate with Fortune's counselors, case managers, and other staff including clinical team, to assist clients in achieving long and short-term goals;Record accurate information on all activities including court proceedings related to clients' court cases;Provide up to date information regarding Fortune's ATDATI service to all external stakeholders;Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with defense attorneys, judges, and prosecutors that engender confidence in Fortune; andPerform other duties as needed.QualificationsQualifications:Ability to get access to the courts through an Office of Court Administration Secure Pass;High school diploma or GEDHSE required; MSW or LMSW, preferredPrevious court advocacy experience preferred;Experience with databases for entering client information;Knowledge of the structure and procedures of the Criminal Justice System and its legalese required;Experience with ATD and ATI programs a plus;Strong oral and written communications skills required; Bilingual EnglishSpanish a plus; andWe seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus. Travel Requirements:Requires travel around NYC boroughs and to our Long Island City site office. Physical Demands:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience andor ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religioncreed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital D123

Created: 2025-02-21