Case Manager and Legal Advocate Job Description

Case Manager and Legal Advocate Job Description

The Domestic Violence Shelter

Organizational Overview 

The mission of The Domestic Violence Shelter is to build a peaceful community by providing safety, education, and supportive services while empowering survivors and those affected by domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking, and sexual assault. The Shelter provides programs to educate the community about the effects of violence on families and individuals, empowering them to help reduce and prevent family violence in our community. 

Reports to: Team Coach|Deputy Director
Status: Full-Time

Position Overview

The Case Manager and Legal Advocate at the Domestic Violence Shelter plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive support and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. This position involves working closely with clients to assess their needs, develop individualized service plans, and connect them with resources to achieve safety, stability, and empowerment. 

Legal Support, Case Management and Advocacy 

• Provide comprehensive legal information and support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking, ensuring they understand their rights and available legal options. 
• Assist clients in navigating the legal system, including applying for restraining orders, emergency protective orders, and pursuing legal actions against perpetrators. 
• Support the completion and review of legal documents, such as affidavits, petitions, and court motions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards. 
• Accompany survivors to court hearings, legal consultations, forensic interviews, and meetings with attorneys while providing emotional and logistical support. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, providing ongoing case management support and advocacy throughout their stay at the shelter. 
• Assist clients in accessing essential services, including housing, employment, legal assistance, healthcare, counseling, and financial assistance. 
• Advocate on behalf of clients with external agencies, such as law enforcement, courts, social services, and housing authorities, to ensure their rights and needs are addressed. 

Client Assessment and Service Planning

• Conduct intake interviews and assessments to understand the needs, strengths, and goals of clients experiencing domestic violence. 
• Collaborate with clients to develop personalized service plans that address their immediate safety concerns and long-term needs. 
• Provide trauma-informed support and advocacy to empower clients in making informed decisions about their lives. 

Client Support 

• Offer trauma-informed emotional support to ensure clients feel empowered throughout the legal process. 
• Conduct thorough intake interviews to assess clients' needs and ensure prompt referrals to specialized legal services when appropriate. 
• Develop and implement tailored safety plans to address each client’s unique needs and safety concerns. 
• Utilize a culturally humble approach to honor each client's background, beliefs, and personal circumstances, supporting informed decision-making. 

Crisis Intervention 

• Provide immediate safety-focused responses during legal and personal crises, collaborating with other staff for coordinated services. 
• Employ survivor-centered strategies to minimize re-traumatization during interventions. 
• Collaborate with clients to develop personalized safety plans that include strategies for staying safe during violent incidents, accessing emergency resources, and planning for future security. 

Education and Outreach 

• Develop, update, and distribute accessible and culturally relevant materials that explain legal processes in a clear and concise manner. 
• Tailor outreach efforts to underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to critical information and resources. 

Collaboration and Coordination 

• Actively participate in multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for survivors. 
• Coordinate with law enforcement, attorneys, and healthcare providers to create seamless service delivery. 
• Facilitate collaboration with culturally specific groups and organizations to better serve diverse populations. 

Documentation and Reporting 

• Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential client case records, ensuring compliance with internal policies, HIPAA, and VAWA requirements. 
• Prepare comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, ensuring proper documentation of legal advocacy efforts and client outcomes for performance evaluation. This will include success stories and evaluations.

Policy and Program Development 

• Contribute to the development and refinement of policies and best practices to enhance legal advocacy services. 
• Stay informed about legal and procedural updates to advocate for system-wide improvements benefiting survivors. 
• Assist in developing policies ensuring accessibility and compliance with ADA requirements, including access to interpreters, assistive devices, or culturally responsive services. 

Resource Coordination and Referrals

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources and referral networks to effectively connect clients with appropriate services and support. 
• Facilitate referrals and coordinate services with partner agencies, including legal aid organizations, counseling centers, healthcare providers, and social service agencies. 

Professional Development 

• Engage in at least 40 hours of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, legal advocacy, housing, case management, human trafficking, advocacy training and maintain 30 hours of continuing education every two years. 
• Stay current on trauma-informed care practices, survivor-centered approaches, and anti-oppression frameworks to deliver ethical, empathetic services. 

Confidentiality and Ethics 

• Uphold strict confidentiality protocols in client interactions and legal processes, ensuring survivor safety and privacy. Document and upload releases of information into client files.
• Provide services in compliance with professional codes of ethics and adhere to regulations regarding mandatory reporting when necessary. 
• Recognize the importance of self-care and participate in supervision and support to prevent vicarious trauma, promoting personal and organizational resilience. 

Other Duties as Assigned by the Team Lead, Executive Director, Deputy Director, or Director of Administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in shelter case management required, preferably in a social services or shelter setting. 
• Strong understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking, trauma-informed care principles, and best practices in survivor support. 
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and trust with clients from diverse backgrounds, including those who may be experiencing crisis or trauma. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients, colleagues, and community partners. 
• Knowledge of community resources and service networks related to domestic violence, housing, legal advocacy, and social services. 
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical integrity in all interactions with clients and stakeholders. 
• Legal System Knowledge: Familiarity with state victim rights laws, protection orders, and court processes. 
• Cultural Humility: Commitment to delivering equitable and inclusive services that respect cultural, linguistic, and social differences of survivors. 
• Trauma-Informed Approach: Experience working in settings that prioritize trauma-informed advocacy and minimize re-traumatization of survivors. 
• Ethical Standards: Demonstrated adherence to professional ethics, including maintaining boundaries and protecting client privacy. 

Additional Required Skills 

• Demonstrated ability to empower survivors to make informed decisions, providing options rather than advice. 
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and outside agencies to ensure integrated service delivery. 
• Effective use of technology and tele-advocacy tools to expand access to services for survivors in remote or underserved areas. 
• Present a professional appearance by following business attire guidelines, including neat and appropriate clothing and footwear such as closed-toe dress shoes, to foster credibility and approachability when engaging with volunteers, community partners, and organizational stakeholders.

Policies for Effective Service Delivery 

• Ensure ADA compliance by utilizing interpretation services, assistive technology, and ensuring physical accessibility. 
• Develop and maintain outreach activities and educational programs that combat victim-blaming and empower communities to support survivors. 
• Create and enforce clear mandated reporting guidelines and protocols for engaging law enforcement or external entities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other technology applications.
• Valid driver’s license.

Disclaimer: All staff are expected to communicate ethically, engage in providing excellent customer service and further their capacity to foster an environment of cultural inclusivity and sensitivity that is the foundation for all our work. Domestic Violence Shelter is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit https://www.thedvshelter.com/

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person