Project Blue Court/Peer Advocate

Annual Salary: $47,600

Position Summary

The Court/Peer Advocate will have significant responsibility for the implementation of reentry programming and will work closely with clients enrolled in the program. The Court/Peer Advocate will provide support and resources for clients involved in the justice system through a variety of legal processes. This includes assisting clients in criminal cases, civil cases, and family court matters and helping to empower clients with self-advocacy. The Court Advocate will work closely with the entire team to empower clients of the program to have the skills and confidence to thrive as active participants in the community. The Court/Peer Advocate delivers peer support services with rehabilitation and recovery focus, with a primary goal of eliminating further involvement in the criminal justice system.

Essential Functions

• Court/Peer Advocate have the vision and passion to support the development, implementation, and growth of all aspects of the Reentry Program.

• Provide the following services for clients of the Reentry Program:

  • Attend all court proceedings along with clients.

  • Serve as a liaison between the court system, the client, other staff within the Reentry Program and attorneys.

    • Communicate with all entities stated above prior to and following court dates.

  • Prepare for court proceedings prior to them to best advocate on for the client.

  • Transport client to and from court proceedings to ensure client is on time to court.

  • Advise and educate the client as to how the criminal justice system and court system works through its processes.

  • Help clients navigate the challenges that come with having a criminal background and the stigma the client will face while in the court room.

  • Follow up with clients to ensure that their situations have improved by participating in case conferencing.

  • Monitor and track milestones in client participation, such as employment acquisition, completion of certificates, increased wages, and avoiding recidivism.

  • Ensure data quality, accuracy of client files and records, complete paperwork and comprehensive outcomes tracking in the areas of housing, case management, goal setting and client progress, program intake and exit, meetings, support groups, referrals and other related activities and client interactions for internal and external purposes including: coordination of services, program impact evaluation, billing, grant tracking, compliance and legal considerations.
• Provide support to other direct service staff and/or programs based on expertise or background.

• Ensure safety and security of clients, staff and volunteers. Ensure that all red flag incidents or concerns related to program clients are reported to the appropriate authority as well as the Director immediately and that the incident or concern is properly documented.

• Ensure that all clients are treated fairly and with respect and that programs maintain an environment that is inclusive and safe for all people.

• Build partnerships with and serve as liaison to other community programs, employers, collaborative groups and government agencies relevant reentering citizens.

• Actively engage and energize staff members, volunteers, board members, committees, partnering organizations, donors, and grant funders.

• All other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience

• Minimum of a B.A. degree. B.S.W preferred.

• At least two years’ experience working in a program or organization serving high-risk individuals.

• Interest in the social justice, legal advocacy, jail reentry, and/or Fair Chance Hiring.

• Experience with individuals and groups related to case management, therapy, or counseling.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; the ideal candidate will be a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.

• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to planning.

• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.

• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle to use in performance of job. Position requires travel within Erie County.

• Must be able to pass criminal background and child and adult maltreatment screens and a preemployment drug screen.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work time may be evenly split between office settings or outside meetings. Limited local travel is required. Light physical effort in an office environment
• Frequent computer use
• Primarily sedentary work with occasional bending and reaching
• Maintain a high energy level, comfortable performing multi-faceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities
• Regularly required to speak clearly and hear the spoken word as well
• Regularly required to read and write clearly

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