Domestic Violence Advocate

Job Details

Description

Position Summary

The Domestic Violence Firearms Project Advocate plays a critical role in enhancing the safety of survivors by supporting the efforts of the Office of Court Administration's Firearms Project to improve the enforcement of orders of protection, particularly those involving firearm restrictions. Based in Family Court, the Advocate provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered support to individuals impacted by domestic violence with a specialized focus on identifying and addressing risks associated with firearm possession. This position involves close collaboration with judges, court personnel, law enforcement, and partner agencies to ensure the consistent application of firearm surrender provisions and compliance monitoring. The Advocate also educates survivors about their rights, assist with safety planning, and helps navigate the complex court process while promoting accountability for respondents who violate firearm-related court orders.

Major Responsibilities/Activities

• Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive support and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence involved in Family Court proceedings with a focus on cases where orders of protection include firearm restrictions.
• Assist with court navigation by supporting survivors through the Family Court process, including assistance with preparing family offense petitions, court accompaniment, and understanding the implications of firearms-related relief in orders of protection.
• Conduct Danger Assessments to identify risks associated with firearm access and develop individualized safety plans in collaboration with survivors, incorporating the potential threat posed by firearms.
• Work collaboratively with the Erie County Firearms Project Stakeholder team to assist in development of protocols and procedures to identify the presence of firearms during domestic violence incidents or possession of firearms by the respondent/defendant.
• Coordinate with law enforcement to follow up on any firearms seizure orders or surrender directives from the court.
• Keep the survivor and their attorney advised of compliance or lack of compliance with court directives and what additional safety planning measures will be implemented.
• Participate in all stakeholder meetings.
• Assist in collecting and maintaining all data as required by the Grantor.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field required.
• Experience in victim assistance or victim services.
• Demonstrate a commitment to empowering domestic violence survivors using a trauma-informed, equity, and strength-based lens. Prior domestic violence experience strongly preferred.
• Good interpersonal, communication and critical thinking skills.
• Strong collaborative and problem-solving skills in working with stakeholders.
• Have a valid New York State driver’s license and access to reliable vehicle for travelling to and from meetings on a frequent basis. (Some meetings may take place in areas that are not accessible by public transportation).
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office suite programs including Excel and ability to enter accurate information into case record management system (database).
• Bi-lingual skills (Spanish-English) preferred.
  
  

Competitive Pay Range: $20 - $22/ hour

CFS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) –20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment) –14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays) – Bereavement: Four Paid Days – Paid Jury Duty
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical, Two Plan Options
• Dental, Two Plan Options
• Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care FSA Retirement
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years
  
  

Child & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Child & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child & Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.