Community Advocate - Legal

The Community Advocate - Legal is responsible for providing trauma-informed legal advocacy and case management services to individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) and/or sexual violence (SV). This role assists clients in navigating the legal system, including filing Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs), providing court accompaniment, and collaborating with law enforcement and legal professionals to enhance survivor experiences. The advocate works to strengthen community partnerships to improve survivor outcomes and access to legal resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Advocacy & Client Support

• Assist survivors in completing and filing Protective Orders and understanding their legal rights.
• Accompany clients to court hearings, law enforcement interviews, and legal proceedings related to IPV and SV cases.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, prosecutors, and legal professionals to ensure survivor-centered approaches within the legal system.
• Maintain a strong advocate presence at Protective Order court in Floyd and Clark Counties to provide support and guidance.
• Assist clients in filing police reports, participating in investigations, and preparing for testimony when necessary.
• Conduct client assessments, safety planning, case management, and follow-ups to ensure ongoing support.

Community Engagement & Partnership Development

• Establish and maintain partnerships with judges, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, courthouse personnel, and community service providers to improve legal advocacy services.
• Cultivate and maintain a pro bono/reduced-cost attorney referral list to increase client access to legal representation.
• Represent The Center in community coalitions, task forces, and advocacy groups focused on IPV/SV-related legal reform.
• Assist in facilitating professional training for law enforcement, attorneys, and court personnel on survivor-centered legal advocacy.

Education, Training & Support Groups

• Facilitate legal education workshops and psychoeducational support groups for survivors navigating the legal system.
• Conduct internal and external training sessions on legal advocacy best practices, trauma-informed care, and systemic barriers to justice.
• Work closely with The Center’s legal team to ensure accurate, up-to-date knowledge of local, state, and federal IPV/SV laws and policies.

Crisis Intervention & Case Management

• Conduct intakes, case planning, and referrals for clients in need of legal services.
• Work with survivors to develop and implement safety plans based on legal and personal protection needs.
• Coordinate transportation and accompaniment for legal appointments, police interviews, and court proceedings.
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support, connecting survivors with resources for housing, employment, and healthcare.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all legal advocacy services in compliance with agency and funder guidelines.
• Ensure adherence to confidentiality policies, HIPAA regulations, and mandated reporting laws.
• Track and analyze program impact metrics, reporting outcomes to leadership and funders as required.

Cross-Program Collaboration

• Collaborate with CWF team members to ensure comprehensive service delivery and a trauma-informed culture.
• Provide legal advocacy support within The Center’s residential and non-residential programs.
• Assist in developing and implementing policy recommendations to improve legal outcomes for survivors.

Skill Requirements

• Strong understanding of legal advocacy, criminal/civil court processes, and protective order laws.
• Ability to build relationships with legal professionals, law enforcement, and court personnel.
• Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care expertise.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced legal environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, legal databases, and case management systems.
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in legal advocacy.

Experience & Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in legal advocacy, crisis intervention, or victim services may be substituted for a degree.
• Experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault is preferred.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal IPV/SV laws and legal system operations.
• Fluency in languages other than English is a plus.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel between courts, law enforcement agencies, and client locations as required.
• Frequent sitting, walking, and standing for extended periods while accompanying clients to legal proceedings.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. (files, outreach materials, laptops, etc.).
• Occasional work outside standard business hours to support clients in crisis situations.