Leaving an abusive relationship can be an empowering turning point in a person’s life. It can also be a time of heightened danger for the person leaving.

As a Legal Advocate you can make a difference by standing shoulder to should in service to:

• Customize a flexible safety plan
• Share knowledge of the dynamics of domestic abuse/power and control
• Safety plan with the protections (and knowing the limitations) of a Civil Protection Order
• Minimize harassment and manipulation during the life span of a divorce and/or custody case

The Legal Advocate provides trauma informed guidance, with knowledge of the proper court paperwork, a map of the Civil Legal process as well as a warm connection to local resources (that may have been withheld in an abusive relationship.)

This is the empowering job of AWARE's Legal Advocate.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide coordination of the Rural Legal grant program, including screening of applicants for entry to the program and record keeping. Ensure effective communication with partners, including MOA partner Alaska Legal Services Corporation.
• Provide advocacy and support to survivors in civil legal matters. Assess needs and create a care plan with each survivor. Make appropriate referrals, using the “warm hand-off” method.
• Facilitate direct and positive communication between attorneys and survivors as they work through protection order and divorce/custody matters.
• Coordinate and administer to legal services for AWARE program participants with the Legal Advocacy Project’s Pro Bono Program, Alaska Legal Services, AWARE/ALS Legal Clinic, LAP Hotline and Alaska Immigration Project
• Assess the need for and assist in preparation of civil protection orders, divorce and custody. Accompany participants to state and tribal court. Prepare for and accompany petitioners for long-term protection orders.
• Provide training on legal advocacy issues and processes to shelter staff and volunteers. Maintain current legal advocacy training materials for staff and volunteers.
• Provide assessment of program participant’s immediate safety needs; develop safety plans with survivors.
• Provide assessment of program participant’s long-term needs and maintain follow-up contact with program participants to answer questions, provide referrals and assist with upcoming hearings.
• Maintain self-care practices to manage stress, compassion fatigue and prevent burnout.
• Ensure documentation comports with grant requirements, complete timely grant reports.

To apply: send cover letter and resume to jobs@awareak.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $23.76 per hour

Work Location: In person