LEGAL ADVOCATE

Position Status: Full – time Legal Advocate

FLSA: Non-exempt (hourly)

Supervised by: Executive Director

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE:

The Legal Advocate serves as a liaison between Family Abuse Center and the legal system, assisting residential and non-residential clients as they navigate the criminal justice and civil court processes and access various crime victim assistance programs. Successful applicants will have experience working in the field of domestic and/or sexual violence or the legal field.

The regular workday for this position will be within Family Abuse Center business hours, M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for special client activities and certain outreach activities including but not limited to National Night Out events. Work hours cannot exceed 40 hours per week without pre- approved overtime.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the education, experience, skill/ability, and licenses/credentials required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, pre-law, or social service, or equivalent combination of skills and experience
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience

• 1-3 years of experience in the field of domestic and/or sexual violence preferred
• Knowledge of criminal and civil proceedings
• Experience working with diverse people and groups
• Experience working for systemic changes in the community
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working as both a leader and a team member

Skills/Abilities

• Fluency in both English and Spanish preferred but not required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrates experience and ease working with a diverse population of clients
• Demonstrates effectiveness as a member of a team as well as the ability to work independently
• Ability to resolve conflict and receive supervision
• Demonstrates crisis intervention skills
• Maintain personal balance while accomplishing multiple tasks that require a variety of skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Flexibility and ability to prioritize job responsibilities
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Products

Licenses/Credentials

• Valid Driver's License with clear driving record

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Providing direct services to victims of family violence including, but not limited to, court accompaniment, assistance with filing for protective orders and crime victim’s compensation, crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency legal advocacy, basic case management, and information and referral regarding other legal resources.
• Provide community education and training to rural communities to help identify victims of family violence and provide or refer them to needed services
• Develop working relationships with law enforcement personnel, community agencies, faith- based organizations, district attorney, judges, medical professionals, volunteers, and other entities that work with or encounter victims of family violence
• Assist with crisis line coverage as needed
• Maintain case files of each client session and enter client statistical data in the electronic database
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Believe in and act in accordance with the agency’s mission statement and goals
• Experience working with diverse population and groups.
• Write routine reports, correspondence and appropriate case notes.
• Document all client services as well as community outreach work

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person