Court Advocate - Night Shift

FORTUNE SOCIETY INC•New York, NY

10d•$30 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

Under the Supervised Release Program (SRP), the Court Advocate (CA) will be responsible for identifying and screening potential program participants at arraignments in the Bronx Criminal Courthouse. The CA will liaise with defense attorneys, prosecutors, and other court actors to ensure those eligible for SRP are mandated to the program rather than detained. The CA will present on the court record to judges, primarily at arraignments, and occasionally when reporting to the court regarding client’s participation in programming. The night shift CA will be responsible shifts between 4pm-2am schedule to be present for night court in the Bronx. Arraignment court operates 365 days a year including holidays.

Requirements

Ability to get access to the courts through an Office of Court Administration Secure Pass
High school diploma or GED/HSE required
Previous court advocacy experience preferred
Experience working within the criminal legal system or human services
Experience with databases for entering client information
Knowledge of the structure and procedures of the Criminal Justice System and its legalese required
Strong oral and written communications skills required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred
Experience with SRP, ATD and ATI programs a plus
Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
Relevant personal experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Review court calendars, case information, and relevant records to identify individuals who may be eligible for Fortune’s Supervised Release Program.
Interview prospective participants, determine program eligibility, and advocate for appropriate admissions into Supervised Release.
Appear in night arraignment parts, including weekends and holidays as scheduled, to provide programming information and respond to court-related questions.
Provide accurate verbal and written updates regarding participants’ enrollment, engagement, compliance, and re-arrest status, as requested.
Explain Supervised Release requirements and orient newly mandated participants to their court conditions, program responsibilities, and initial reporting instructions.
Engage participants using a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and person-centered approach.
Identify and communicate immediate needs, safety concerns, behavioral health concerns, or other circumstances requiring additional support or follow-up.
Provide crisis support, de-escalation, and referrals in accordance with agency procedures.
Collect and maintain required court and enrollment documents.
Complete timely, accurate, and thorough documentation in all required databases, court-tracking systems, calendars, and shift reports.
Collaborate with case management, clinical, court advocacy, and supervisory staff to support a smooth transition from arraignment to community-based supervision.
Communicate court outcomes, urgent concerns, outstanding tasks, and follow-up needs to the appropriate staff.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, court officers, and other court stakeholders.
Represent Fortune professionally while maintaining participant confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, and confidence in the Supervised Release Program.
Follow agency policies, court procedures, contractual requirements, and supervisory directives.
Maintain reliable attendance and flexibility to support night, weekend, holiday, and changing courtroom coverage needs.
Participate in supervision, staff meetings, training, case reviews, and quality-assurance activities.
Meet established expectations for productivity, timeliness, documentation, and quality of work.
Perform other related duties as assigned.