Bilingual Domestic Violence Court Advocate - Full-Time

Job Summary

The Bilingual Court Advocate provides vital support, guidance, and legal advocacy for survivors of domestic and sexual violence navigating the civil and criminal court systems, serving both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. This role is responsible for assisting clients with filing critical legal documents, including Ex-Parte Orders of Protection and Victims' Reparations, providing court accompaniment, and documenting case outcomes across Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties. A successful candidate will utilize their bilingual skills to bridge communication gaps while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with law enforcement, judicial personnel, and community legal partners.

*****Additionally, this position offers fully paid health, dental and vision insurance.*****

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides trauma-informed direct services to victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault and their children including support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, parenting support, information, and referrals.
• Assists clients in completing and filing necessary documents for court proceedings, including Ex-Parte Orders of Protections and/or Victims’ Reparations.
• Provide Court accompaniment, support and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence or sexual violence navigating the civil and criminal court system, including transportation when necessary.
• Requires travel to Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington County Courts and other rural courts.
• Observe and document court outcomes in civil and criminal cases involving domestic violence.
• Collaborates professionally with other organizations and partnerships, to help families with assistance in legal services.
• Helps to strengthen relationships between NWAWS and law enforcement, local prosecutors, judges, victim advocates and other court personnel.
• Provides support to survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault by answering the crisis hotline and providing advocacy, resources and referrals.
• Models and actively promotes positive, nurturing interactions between adults and children in shelter.
• Understands and utilizes principles of trauma informed care and the empowerment philosophy of advocacy.
• Communicates shelter rules and communal living guidelines to residents during shift.
• Reviews emergency procedures with other staff and residents on monthly basis and as need arises.
• Takes appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining a safe environment for residents and staff, and reports such situations in writing to supervisor.
• Approves and records financial requests and requests for overnight stays.
• Records documentation related to client services and financial assistance into the client data system.
• Completes Maintenance Room Checks.
• Helps staff coordinate programs in shelter with residents.
• Performs regular pack ups and records property belonging to clients who have abandoned shelter.
• Performs routine chores and cleaning tasks assigned to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the shelter facility.
• Facilitates and schedules transportation of clients to and/or from appointments as needed.
• Serve as the primary advocate/case worker for up to three survivors at a time.
• Participates in Advocate On Call rotation.
• Attends and participates in scheduled weekly and monthly meetings.
• Maintains various certifications of trainings in Domestic violence and Sexual Assault.
• Exhibits exemplary attendance and punctuality.
• Complies with company policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

• Commitment to Quality Service: Builds and maintains client/community satisfaction with the services offered.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and other applications as well as experience using and entering data into client databases.
• Team Focused & Collaborative: Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and objectives.
• Self-Accountability & Work Standards: Sets high standards of performance for self and assumes responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks.
• Stress tolerance: Maintains composure during emergency and crisis situations.
• Professionalism and Personal Boundaries: Conducts self within appropriate and expected professional boundaries and policies.
• Conflict Management: Helps others with conflict resolution.
• Valuing Diversity: Helps to create an environment that embraces diversity.
• Confidentiality: Able to follow policies and procedures regarding confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate well both orally and in written form, and follow detailed instructions.
• Must have valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to provide transportation to NWAWS clients in shelter vehicles.
• Bilingual abilities (specifically Spanish or Marshallese) are highly desirable to serve multicultural communities effectively.

EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE

• Bilingual Spanish speaking. fluent proficiency required.
• Dedication to the mission of the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter.
• Dedication to the empowerment model of service delivery.
• Adherence to NWAWS core values.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in social work, family and human services, or related field is preferred but not required. On the job experience may substitute.
• Experience in social services and/or family violence.
• No prior felony convictions for violent offenses. Background checks and drug test will be conducted.

Join us in creating a supportive environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive! This position is perfect for motivated professionals eager to foster positive change in the lives of others.

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Please tell us why you are interested in this position?

Experience:

• social work, family and human services or a related field: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20