Court Advocate

About the Organization

Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) supports and builds power with people across New York State who have been affected by mass incarceration, criminalization and community disinvestment. Through a statewide network of direct services, advocacy and organizing, and by supporting the leadership of directly-impacted people, we advance civil and human rights for all New Yorkers. CCA works to build a world where everyone has what they need to thrive.

Why Join the Team?

At CCA, we are committed to fair transparent pay, and we strive to provide competitive market-informed compensation. The successful candidate's salary is determined by the combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, and geography. Our goal is to continue to make CCA one of the most desirable nonprofit places at which to work, and in part, recognize the importance of work-life balance.

Responsible for liaising and working with criminal court stakeholders to assess, screen and advocate for individuals (youth and adults) to be placed in CCA’s alternative to incarceration and alternative to detention programs (ATI/ATD); develop written, client specific ATI/ATD plans and prepare written court reports detailing clients’ progress and participation in ATI/ATD programming. This job provides exposure to all criminal justice stakeholders and permits regular courtroom appearances.

The Court Advocate needs to match the mission and culture of CCA, including meeting participants where they are at; engaging participants with a non-judgmental, inclusive attitude; holding space for trauma associated with criminal legal system involvement and incarceration; and helping participants to believe in their ability to transform their lives.

• Screen court related documents to identify eligible candidates for CCA’s ATD/ATI programs;
• Liaise with defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges;
• Interview prospective clients, both currently incarcerated and in the community;
• Collect and review additional information through interview of family members and other collateral sources;
• Advocate before the court for the release of clients to CCA’s ATD/ATI programs;
• Prepare and present written and verbal reports to the court regarding clients’ participation in ATD/ATI programming;
• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and collaborate with counselors/case managers, support staff, and clinical team, to assist clients in achieving their individualized goals and satisfying court mandates;
• Assist with the coordination of services to clients, ensuring that all court appearances are covered and the necessary plans and follow-up reports are timely submitted.
• Record accurate information on all activities, including court proceedings and appearance outcomes related to clients’ cases;
• Track displacement, referral, intake and other related statistics for program reporting.
• Promote CCA’s ATI/ATD programs and explain program requirements to clients and criminal justice stakeholders;
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and other criminal justice stakeholders;
• Perform other duties as needed.

• Demonstrated commitment to working with disenfranchised individuals from all walks of life. Relevant personal experience is a plus;
• Ability to get access to the courts through an Office of Court Administration Secure Pass;
• High school diploma or GED/HSE required;
  Bachelor’s Degree or MSW, preferred;
• Previous court advocacy experience preferred;
• Computer literacy (word processing, e-mail, internet research, data entry) required;
• Knowledge of the structure and procedures of the Criminal Legal System and its terminology required;
• Strong oral and written communications skills required;
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME.

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 20 days of earned time off (ETO) for full-time staff, with the ability to use it after 90-days of employment.
• Time off is earned starting on your first day.
• 7 days of paid sick time
• 100% paid family leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

CCA Website: HERE