Legal Advocate

POSITION: Legal Advocate

LOCATION: Fort Bragg Office

ORGANIZATION: Project Sanctuary, Inc. is a private non-profit organization that has served individuals experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault since the late 1970s. Over 2,000 individuals are served each year by Project Sanctuary throughout Mendocino County, CA. Mendocino County is located on the North Coast of California, approximately 150 miles north of San Francisco. The county is noted for its distinctive Pacific Ocean coastline, redwood forests, wine production and is a world-class tourist destination.

Project Sanctuary adopts a trauma-informed care approach, recognizing the impact of trauma on individuals and ensuring services are delivered with empathy and understanding. They emphasize voluntary services, empowering clients to make their own choices and engage at their own pace, fostering a sense of safety, trust, and autonomy in the healing process.

EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER: Project Sanctuary is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

COMPENSATION:

Hours: 40 hours per week

Starting Salary: Grade B, Step 1, $23.97 per hour (Non-exempt) or DOE

Differential: Bilingual incentive, $1.00 per hour

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Site Director

: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

: This position does not have indirect supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following is generally representative of the duties and responsibilities of this job classification. It is not a complete description of all possible job assignments, nor is it restrictive as to job assignments and responsibilities which may be required of an incumbent.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Ability to:

o Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

o Ability to work as a teammate and effectively contribute to share organizational and program goals through a cooperative work style and a capacity to appreciate coworkers and build strong working relationships

o Demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion.

o Outstanding interpersonal skills.

· Computer Skills: Knowledge of basic email, copy and fax machines, telephone and smartphone apps. Internet software (Chrome, Firefox, Explorer), Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.), Google Suite, (Gmail, Google Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.), Essential Forms, Adobe Acrobat, Ring Central.

· Reasoning Ability: Ability to think logically, analyze situations, and solve problems effectively.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1) A valid California’s driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, and safe driving record; and

2) Livescan (fingerprint) criminal records screening; review of public sex offender and child abuse registries.

3) California Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Counselor Training and Certification (Training requirements may be completed post-hire through Project Sanctuary’s training program).

DESIRABLE QUAILIFICATIONS:

· Knowledge of:

o Legal terminology and documents.

o Community organizations that provide social services and support.

o Crisis intervention methods and techniques.

o Trauma Informed Care.

o Maintaining confidentiality and client privilege.

· Abilities:

o Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred but not required.

o Build respectful, affirming communication with individuals of diverse cultural identities, lived experiences, and socio-economic backgrounds.

o Provide advocacy and support services for survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual violence.

o Prepare and maintain clear, accurate and concise records.

o Build rapport to form a supportive connection, helping clients feel understood and welcome.

o Effectively represent Project Sanctuary in contacts with the court system, service provides, and community organizations.

o Facilitate client interaction with the legal system.

o Analyze and interpret laws, rules and regulations related to domestic and sexual violence.

· Training and/or Experience:

o Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal Advocacy and Case Management

· Conduct client needs assessments and develop individual legal advocacy and safety plans.

· Offer emotional support and guidance by identifying coping strategies.

· Assess client needs and develop personalized service plans.

· Employ a strengths-based client approach, focusing on the client’s abilities and resources.

· Deliver legal advocacy services that are culturally sensitive, recognizing and respecting the client’s cultural, social, and personal backgrounds.

Court and Legal System Support

· Assist clients with the preparation and completion of legal forms, including restraining orders, and related documentation.

· Accompany clients to court hearings.

· Provide court preparation and emotional support prior, during, and after legal proceedings.

· Service as a liaison between clients and legal professionals including attorneys, court personnel, Victim Witness staff, etc.

Collaboration and Teamwork

· Coordinate with community partners, including shelters, law enforcement, courts, legal aid organizations, and social service providers.

· Advocate for clients’ rights and needs within legal, medical, and social service systems.

· Make and receive internal referrals to ensure clients are connected to appropriate advocacy, shelter, counseling, and support services within the organization.

· Collaborate with supervisors and team members to identify service gaps and improve referral processes.

Crisis Intervention and Response

· Conduct thorough initial assessments to understand the immediate needs and severity of client situations.

· Provide immediate support and intervention to de-escalate crisis situations for walk-in clients and during crisis calls.

· Offer follow-up support to ensure clients continue to receive the assistance they need after the initial crisis intervention.

· Respond to requests from law enforcement and/or medical facilities as needed.

Record Keeping and Compliance

· Maintain accurate records of client information.

· Ensure documentation complies with legal, ethical, and grant funded program requirements.

· Ensure all client information is securely recorded and stored, adhering to confidentiality and privacy laws.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:

(These are typical requirements, but Project Sanctuary will discuss and make reasonable accommodations for job candidates if needed.)

· This position engages in work that requires time spent sitting, standing, walking up and down stairs with most work hours spent sitting, looking at a screen, using a computer and keyboard, phone and/or video conferencing, lift and move objects weighing up to 25lbs; corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

· Work is normally performed in a variety of environments in the community and Project Sanctuary facilities; frequent contact and communications with other staff, the public, and representatives of other agencies; work hours may be variable and outside of the normal (8:00AM-5:00PM) workday to meet the requirements of the position. Some assignments may involve accompanying children and adults to various locations in the local community; incumbents are expected to be available to stand-by for crisis intervention responses at any time during specifically assigned time periods.

BENEFITS:

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF):

· Project Sanctuary full-time employees are eligible for the PSLF Program, a federal initiative designed to alleviate student loan debt for individuals working in public service positions. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Project Sanctuary qualified as an eligible employer under PSLF.

Medical/Dental/Vision Plan:

· Project Sanctuary offers a competitive package of benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time employees. Part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week shall receive a pro-rata share of their premium based on their FTE.

Holidays (pro-rated for part-time employees):

· 14 Paid holidays

· 2 Floating holidays

Vacation/Sick Leave:

· Vacation and sick leave accrued based on length of service.

Pay: From $23.97 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24