Description

Legal/Outreach Advocate

Full-Time

$16/hour

SCHEDULE: (Determined on a case by case basis) 40 hours per week, some on- call hours

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Responsible for overseeing the Outreach Legal Advocacy program and

providing direct supervision to legal advocate assistants, reports progress and concerns to

Director of Domestic Violence & Visitation Services and assists with concerns from clients serviced

through the program.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Collaborates with the Courts, Law Enforcement, Prosecutors, Legal Services, Hospitals, Safer

Futures, and other Social Service Agencies toward the minimization of domestic violence.

2. Oversees planning, case reviews and program goal achievement when necessary.

3. Responsible for creating and maintaining a positive program image in the community.

4. Responsible for the evaluation and continual improvement of program services and activities.

5. Complies with agency policies and procedures, COA regulations, federal and state requirements

and educational/certification/registry requirements.

6. Accepts referrals from area Criminal Justice Providers to interact with victims of violent

crime, and then conducts professional and confidential intakes and assessments, including Civil

Protection Order assistance.

7. May meet with clients at a safe location for early crisis intervention and discussion of the

clients options

8. Oversees the attendance of court hearings with legal advocacy clients to explain procedures and

support decisions.

• Works directly with Domestic Relations and Common Pleas General division courts

• Attends Ex-parte hearings and Full-hearings to help client to obtain a Civil Protection order in

Domestic Relations Court or Anti-Stalking Orders in Common Pleas court

• May also aid in the preparation of Victim’s Compensation Claim paperwork

9. Prepares and delivers presentations to other service providers to increase skill levels and

maintain cooperation.

10. Promotes Model Ohio Protocol for responding to domestic violence by which Ohio communities can

reduce the incidents of domestic violence and help victims escape abuse.

11. Oversees the maintenance of client files and records confidentially and reports statistics to

appropriate persons

12. Provides follow-up with client and service providers as needed.

13. Reports to Advisory Board/supervisor monthly to give and receive input about the position.

14. Models awareness and behavior needed for growth and development.

15. Fulfills other duties as assigned.

16. Complies with agency policies and procedures, COA regulations, federal and state requirements,

and educational/certification/registry requirements.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field and/or 2 years minimum experience working with victims

2. Knowledge of Client centered model of crisis intervention skills, and ability to teach crisis intervention.

3. Ability to model open communication and work in team structure

4. Understanding of domestic violence, in the family and in the larger society.

5. Valid Ohio Driver’s License and ability to meet agency requirements for driving insurability.

6. Must be able to meet agency requirements for criminal back ground check (Ohio Bureau of Criminal

Identification & Investigation).

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL/LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, sociology,

psychology or social work and a minimum of two years experience in social services OR in lieu of

Bachelor’s degree, 4 years experience working with domestic violence victims, courts or law

enforcement personnel.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Experience in working with victims of domestic violence and an

understanding of domestic violence in the family and in the larger society.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to walk up and down stairs and sit for extended

periods of time. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.