Dv Court Advocate

**Job description**

**Job Summary**

The Court Support Worker is responsible for the provision of system support, navigation and advocacy services to fem-identifying victims of intimate partner violence whose partners or ex-partners are participants in the Halifax Domestic Violence Court Program (DVCP). The Court Support Worker will work with clients to establish a meaningful Court Plan aimed to stop the violence and help repair the harms caused in a manner consistent with the mission, vision and values of Alice House. This role is responsible for coordination and implementation of special projects, as directed by the Court, including but not limited to facilitation of peer support groups, collateral development and/or public education.

**This is a full-time undefined term contract covering a leave of absence.**

**Preferred start date is**: January 2025

**Job Accountabilities**

**Court Engagement**
- Leads implementation of various court-directed projects, as required.
- Meets weekly with the Domestic Violence Advisory team, working together to support families impacted by Domestic Violence.
- Builds strong relationships with referral partners to create opportunities for client engagement.
- Applies creative problem-solving skills to ensure victims/survivors have reduced barriers to accessing court support services.
- Participates in the evaluation and/or development of the policies and procedures of the Halifax Domestic Violence Court and helps to develop Alice House policies and procedures for Court engagement.
- Participates on various committees to support the development of the court and give feedback to stakeholders.
- Works to develop strong collaboration and relationships with DV Court Team members including HRP Victim Services, RCMP Victim Services and DOJ Victim Services.
- Supports client and public education on services and impact.

**Client Support Services**
- Develops and implements client support groups.
- Provides court accompaniment to clients attending various types of court (i.e. family, criminal).
- Supports individual clients with community resource navigation and referrals.
- Acts as a supportive peer counsellor to clients; refers clients to Alice House’s registered therapist where applicable.
- Provides non-emergencysupport and advocacy for victims/survivors navigating the court system.
- Works collaboratively with the client to develop Client Support Plans/Court Plans that meet their unique needs.
- Delivers public education and/or provides one-on-one information regarding the Domestic Violence Court, Intimate Partner Violence, and/other relevant topics.
- Works collaboratively with victims and other team members to establish meaningful engagement in the DVC process.
- Works with the client to establish safety in their lives and navigate the psychological and emotional impact of violence.
- Represents and conveys the client's needs and experiences in court decision-making, as needed.

**Alice House Services**
- Provides client-facing support services to other Alice House clients, as assigned.
- Provides drop-in centre support, as needed.
- Participates in team meetings.
- Leads, contributes to and/or supports various special projects related to court and system navigation, community education and client support, as assigned.
- Tracks and records client interaction, feedback and outreach services in HIFIS and reports to team or Coordinator.
- Contributes to the Alice House team environment to accomplish service delivery goals.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Skills/Qualifications**
- A car, valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle, required.
- Post-secondary degree/diploma in social work, counselling skills, or related program.
- Registration with a governing body is considered an asset.
- Related experience or training on topics of intimate partner violence and/or the legal system, strongly preferred.
- Certification in Standard First Aid and CPR, Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Suicide Intervention (ASIST), or a commitment to secure these requirements within 3 months of hire.
- 3+ years’ experience working in a case management and/or counselling capacity with adults; experience with female-identifying individuals is considered an asset.
- Must be comfortable working independently within a team context; must be comfortable working independently with mínimal supervision for extended periods.
- Must be able to work flexible hours into the evening.
- Must demonstrate excellent professional communication skills.
- Must demonstrate excellent judgement and boundaries.
- Must be comfortable standing or sitting for long periods.
- Must be able to walk short distances and able to climb up to 3 flights of stairs at a time.
- Demonstrated capacity to engage and maintain positive partnerships with key stakeholders of outside agencies and government.
- Demonstrated experience working with clients experiencing trauma or crisis.
- Must have a developed understa