LAV Advocate

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in social services, criminal justice or related field or at least two years experience providing direct service advocacy for victims of domestic violence or related field of work

General Statement of Responsibilities: Provide direct services to victims of domestic violence in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of the agency

Duties include but are not limited to:

· Act as the Branches Advocate on WVCADV’s LAV project to provide direct service to survivors who have a post-conviction experience of the criminal justice system

· Participate in legal clinics at corrections facilities as organized by WVCADV

· Coordinate with local authorities in all five counties of Branches’ catchment area to promote awareness and referrals

· Develop strong working relationships with drug courts, family treatment courts, probation, parole, day report, etc. in all five counties

· Provide and/or coordinate support groups at corrections facilities

· Assist petitioners in filing Emergency Protective Orders in Magistrate Court

· Provide support for victims in domestic violence cases heard in Magistrate Court

· Inform and support survivors as they experience the legal system

· Discuss safety planning and empowerment options with clients on an ongoing basis

· Accompany petitioners to Domestic Violence Protective Order hearings in Family Court

· Facilitate conversation with Family Court staff to solve services issues in cases of continuance while simultaneously encouraging the client’s safety plan for the time until their next hearing

· Coordinate with Prosecution-based advocates to support victims through criminal proceedings

· Offer appropriate referrals for victims to service agencies and law enforcement

· Aid the client in pursuing legal representation for Family Court matters

· Complete official referrals to Legal Aid of West Virginia or, if necessary, apply for conflict funds to hire a private attorney

· Participate in trainings as deemed necessary by the Executive Director and in effort to obtain Domestic Violence Advocate Certification through WVCADV

· Represent trauma-informed practices within the community

· Supplement agency operations in any necessary capacity as determined by the Executive Director

Pay: From $16.64 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17