At Cornerstone, we value a rich and diverse employee and volunteer base and are committed to recruiting and retaining individuals of underrepresented backgrounds. We are also committed to creating an inclusive environment and a sense of belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and an affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements and the work that we do at Cornerstone. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Cornerstone is a $5.4M agency with approximately 100 employees. Our organization serves individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking, with office locations in Bloomington, Minneapolis, and Brooklyn Center.
Cornerstone has developed one of the most comprehensive service continuums for victims of violence in Minnesota. Our services are designed to move individuals and families from crisis to safety, stabilization and security. Last year approximately 4,000 individuals accessed Cornerstone programming. In addition, through Cornerstone’s statewide Day One Crisis and Crime Victim Support lines, we provided services to over 20,000 persons via phone, text and chat. We are committed to providing opportunities for others to partner with us in this work and to convey, as a community, zero-tolerance for violence.
Position Summary
The Civil/Criminal Justice Intervention Advocate provides civil and criminal legal advocacy services to victim/survivor of domestic abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking in a knowledgeable, empathetic manner. Work with local police, prosecutors, probation officers, and judges and the Domestic Abuse Service Center to meet the needs of all victim/survivor who are depending on the court/criminal justice system for their safety.
Location: Bloomington, Minnesota
Salary: $18.03-21.75 Per Hour
Position Type: Full Time
Required Experience: 2 – 5 years
Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Date Posted: September 2, 2021
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Direct Services (65%)
- Serves as an advocate for victim/survivors in civil court proceedings such as Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Order hearings.
- Assists victim/survivor in writing Orders for Protection/Harassment Restraining Orders and amendments and extensions to such orders.
- Serve as an advocate for victim/survivors through the criminal justice process
- Provides safety planning sessions and one-to-one meetings with victim/survivors
- Function as a liaison between the victim/survivor and the criminal justice system
- Provides resources and referrals as needed to help meet victim/survivor needs
Program (30%)
- Work collaboratively across all CAS programs
- Trains and supports other staff at CAS in the writing of Orders for Protection/Harassment Restraining Orders and amendments and extensions to such orders
- Attend departmental staff meetings as scheduled
- Maintain confidentiality and a professional demeanor in behavior and dress
- Keep accurate records of all court appearances, phone calls and in-person contacts with and on behalf of the victim/survivors
- Keep abreast of new laws affecting victim/survivor safety
- Notify victim/survivors of court orders/appearances/case status
- Provide all relevant information to victim/survivors to facilitate their involvement in every court appearance
- Consults with other members of the legal/criminal justice system and advocate for the protection of the victim/survivors and accountability of offenders within the court/criminal justice system
Administrative Responsibilities (5%)
- Assures data entry is completed accurately in Apricot database and other tracking methods.
- Properly documents all critical incidents: child protection reports, emergency response calls, and participant injury/cons.
- Completes other documentation as assigned by supervisor.
Organizational Expectations:
- Promotes Cornerstone Advocacy Service’s mission, values & philosophy.
- Displays high ethical and professional standards.
- Attends staff meetings and training as requested.
- Participate in internal CAS committees and represent CAS on external committees based on interest/assignment and approved by supervisor.
- Educates community members and professionals about interpersonal violence and available services as directed by supervisor.
- Support CAS marketing initiatives.
- Attend all staff meetings and required trainings as assigned.
- Attend and participate in supervision meetings.
Education/Experience
Minimum of bachelor’s degree in a human service, public health social work or related field. Length of experience in a social service field may be considered in lieu of education. Additional, 1-2 years’ experience working within the anti-violence field and/or systems (e.g. criminal justice, social services, etc.) preferred.
Qualifications and Key Skillsets
- Ability to remain calm and survivor-centered with those experiencing crisis and trauma.
- Broad knowledge of resources and systems which interface with victims/survivors (v/s) of violence and the skills to work in both a team and individual setting.
- Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care practices comprehensive of the impact of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking/sexual exploitation, and general crime on adults, children/youth, and the community.
- Understanding of the human services delivery system with an emphasis on serving diverse, marginalized and/or underrepresented communities.
- General understanding of crime victim’s rights, civil remedies, and the criminal justice systems with the understanding additional training will be provided.
- Ability in assessing, deescalating, and communicating in a calm, trauma-informed way with participants in crisis.
- Good written and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with v/s, concerned persons, and community partners in a friendly, cooperative, and professional manner.
- Enthusiasm for learning and commitment to enhancing skills through training, and coaching.
- Ability to work flexible and varied hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Preferred 40-hour sexual assault certification or the ability to complete training within 6 months.
- Knowledge and aptitude with Microsoft Office, client databases, and other related forms of technology.
- Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and reliable vehicle (Valid Driver’s License and auto insurance must be on file with HR).
- Multilingual candidates preferred.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here 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 and those who may be Deaf/Hard of Hearing, to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools or controls as well as visual acuity. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The employee should always request assistance if any object needs to be lifted and the employee feels that their capabilities are such that the specific item to be lifted is beyond the employees abilities. No employee should attempt to lift more than what is comfortable for them. If such a situation should arise the employee should notify their supervisor to find help with lifting any item regardless of weight if the object to be lifted is awkward or difficult to lift in any way.
Cornerstone offers generous wages and excellent benefits.
How to Apply
You can also download Cornerstone’s employment application (PDF) and submit the completed application, resume and cover letter to Jobs@cornerstonemn.org with the job title in the email subject line.
Only applications with a completed form, resume and cover letter will be reviewed.
No agencies; no walk-ins; and no phone calls please. The Jobs@cornerstonemn.org email is only for receiving resumes. No additional information is known about open positions. Qualified applicants will be contacted after resumes are reviewed.
