Court Advocate
Company: Center for Community Alternatives
Location: New York City
Posted on: February 13, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description 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. Job Summary: 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. Mission, Culture and Fit: 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. Duties and Responsibilities: 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. Qualifications:
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; Relevant personal experience in terms of recovery and/or
justice involvement, a plus. 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
Keywords: Center for Community Alternatives, Wayne , Court Advocate, Legal , New York City, New Jersey
