Advocate – Bright Horizons (O’Neill & Surrounding Areas)

CRIMINAL JUSTICE LIAISON & SAFE HOUSE ADVOCATE

ABOUT US

Bright Horizons is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and human trafficking. We provide advocacy, safe house services, education, and outreach throughout rural Nebraska.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Are you someone who cares deeply about people, can keep a lot of moving pieces organized, and isn’t afraid to speak up when something isn’t working?

Bright Horizons is looking for a Criminal Justice Liaison & Safe House Advocate to join our O’Neill team.

This is a case management-heavy position for someone who wants to work directly with survivors and be involved in the work beyond a single conversation or crisis. You will build relationships with survivors, help them identify what they need, work alongside them as they make decisions about their next steps, and help remove some of the barriers that can make getting help so difficult.

You will also serve as a connection between survivors and the criminal justice system. You will work with law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, attorneys, and other professionals while making sure the survivor’s needs, choices, and safety remain at the center of the work.

You will also provide advocacy and case management to survivors staying in the safe house, helping them work toward the goals they identify for themselves.

This job requires someone who can manage multiple cases, follow through, communicate clearly, stay organized, and notice what needs to be done without waiting for someone to tell you. It also requires someone who understands that advocacy is not about making decisions for survivors. It is about making sure they have information, support, options, and someone in their corner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide ongoing advocacy and case management based on each survivor’s needs, goals, and choices.
Build relationships with survivors and provide support throughout their involvement with Bright Horizons.

Support survivors who are involved with law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and other parts of the criminal justice system.
Help survivors understand the criminal justice process and what they can expect along the way.
Help survivors understand their options and make informed decisions without pressure or judgment.
Communicate with law enforcement, prosecutors, attorneys, court staff, and other professionals on behalf of and in support of survivors.
Follow up on cases and keep survivors informed about important updates and changes.
Accompany survivors to court, law enforcement meetings, and other appointments as needed.
Assist survivors with protection orders and other legal needs.
Complete safety planning, assessments, case plans, referrals, and follow-up with survivors.
Help survivors access housing, financial assistance, counseling, medical care, transportation, employment, childcare, and other resources.
Follow up on referrals and help identify and address barriers that may prevent survivors from accessing services.
Provide advocacy and case management to survivors staying in the safe house.
Work with survivors staying in the safe house on goals related to safety, housing, finances, employment, and other needs they identify.
Support survivors as they work toward safe and stable housing and other goals after leaving the safe house.
Respond to crisis line calls and provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referrals.
Complete accurate and timely case notes and other required documentation.
Work with law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, medical providers, counselors, and other community partners to support survivors.
Participate in Coordinated Community Response meetings and other community meetings as needed.
Assist with safe house and office duties as needed.
Maintain survivor confidentiality at all times.

SERVICE AREA

This position is based in O’Neill and serves survivors in Holt, Boyd, Knox, and Antelope counties. Some travel is required. (Agency vehicle is often available.) 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

High school diploma or GED required. College coursework or experience in human services, criminal justice, social work, advocacy, or a related field is a plus.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Valid Nebraska driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to keep track of multiple cases, deadlines, and follow-up.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Someone who communicates well with their supervisor and keeps their supervisor informed about survivor needs, concerns, case developments, and anything that needs attention.
Someone who can work independently and take initiative without needing to be told what to do at every step.
Someone who notices what needs to happen next and follows through.
Someone who is comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance when needed, while still taking ownership of their work.
Compassionate and non-judgmental approach to working with survivors.
Comfortable working with law enforcement, courts, attorneys, and other professionals.
Comfortable speaking to individuals and groups.
Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Some evenings, weekends, and on-call rotations are required.

PREFERRED

Previous experience in advocacy, case management, criminal justice, human services, safe house work, or nonprofit work.
Experience working with law enforcement or the court system.
Experience managing multiple cases and coordinating services.
Spanish-speaking ability is a HUGE plus.

WHAT WE OFFER

Paid training and professional development.
Supportive team environment.
The opportunity to do work that directly impacts survivors and the communities we serve.
Paid holidays and a generous PTO package.
Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your resume and cover letter to OneillProgramDirector@brighthorizonsne.org.

If you are organized, dependable, willing to learn, comfortable with case management, and ready to do work that matters, we would love to hear from you.