Title: Court Advocate (Night Shift)
Unit: Court Advocacy -Supervised Release Program
Reports to: Supervisor, Court Operations (Night)
Status: Full time; Non-Exempt, Temporary to Permanent
Salary Range: $30.22 - $36.81 per hour [Approximately $55,000-$67,000 annually]
Location: Bronx Criminal Court
Days/Hours: Monday-Friday with alternate weekends, 5pm-1am or 6pm-2am
Organization Overview:
The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 57 years in service to our mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved into one of the nation’s preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities.
Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with close to $90 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and depth of service. Fortune has a dual mission: both advocacy and service. The advocacy portion of our mission focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry into society. The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 14,000 people a year.. Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation. We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.
Position Summary:
This is a temporary position established to support the Supervised Released Program during an employee’s leave of absence. The anticipated duration of the assignment is approximately one to three months. Based on organization needs and individual performance, there is potential for the position to transition into a permanent role.
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 clients’ participation in programming. The night shift CA will be responsible for working
either a 5pm-1am or 6pm-2am schedule to be present for night court in the Bronx. Arraignment court
operates 365 days a year including holidays.
Core Competencies:
Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune’s mission and values and will be an effective member of the team in furthering both. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortune’s core value that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.
Communication/Human Services
The CM must be able to communicate effectively, with internal and external program staff, and participants. The CM must be able to maintain communication with these entities to ensure their clients are being assisted in a timely and effective manner. Ability to manage a high level of multi-taskings, managing well under-pressure, ability to manage emotional response, capable of providing innovative resources, and strong ability to use de-escalation tactics while remaining motivational.
Time Management/Administrative Skills
The CM will receive many referrals, sometimes at one time, and must provide up to date and accurate information to the Court Advocates and CM Supervisors on their client’s progress and participation. The CM must maintain communication with these internal staff as well as any parties overseeing voluntary services that their clients are enrolled in. Additionally, the CM will need to conduct client screenings, and field calls from active clients and internal and external program staff. Prioritizing the above is imperative in being able to manage the work. The CM will need Efficient Typing Skills, Strong software skills – knowledge of Microsoft word, excel, SharePoint, office suite exc, attention to detail, writing – documenting clear and concise accurate case notes.
Problem Solving/ Knowledge of Court and Conduct
The CM has the unique responsibility of being the main point of contact for the client, and sometimes the most trusted; they are at the forefront of managing a client’s needs and must be equipped with the ability to problem solve when issues arise. Comprehension of pretrial services, court-based compliance measures, and proper reporting and documentation procedures. Fortune programming and proper court conduct and etiquette
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Screen arraignment cases and relevant court related documents to identify eligible candidates for
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Fortune’s SRP program;
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Liaise with defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges;
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Interview prospective clients;
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Advocate before the court for the release of clients into Fortune’s SRP program;
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Present written and verbal reports to the court regarding client’s participation in SRP
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programming;
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Collaborate with Fortune’s case managers, and other staff including clinical staff, to assist clients
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in achieving goals;
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Record accurate information on all activities including court proceedings;
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Provide up to date information regarding Fortune’s SRP service to external stakeholders, as
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appropriate;
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Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with defense attorneys, judges, and prosecutors
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that engender confidence in Fortune; and
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Perform other duties as needed.