Court Advocate

FORTUNE SOCIETY INC • New York, NY

8d • $27 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Bronx Court Advocate will be responsible for working with court stakeholders to assess and screen and advocate for individuals to be placed in Fortune’s Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) programs, and report to the court regarding clients’ participation in programming. The Bronx Court Advocate will split their time between court advocacy and managing a caseload of current clients and potential referrals.

Requirements

• Ability to get access to the courts through an Office of Court Administration Secure Pass
• High school diploma or GED/HSE required
• 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

• MSW or LMSW, preferred
• Previous court advocacy and/or court writing experience preferred
• Experience with databases for entering client information
• Experience with ATI programs a plus
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
• We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Screen court calendars and court related documents to identify eligible candidates for Fortune’s ATI 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 ATI programs
• Present written and verbal reports to the court regarding client’s participation in ATI 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 in agency database
• Provide up to date information regarding Fortune’s ATI service to all external stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED