LEGAL ADVOCATE

TITLE:                                   Paralegal--Legal Advocate

STATUS:                               Exempt 

SUPERVISED BY:              Director of Crisis Intervention Services r

MISSION STATEMENT:        YWCA West Central Michigan is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and girls and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general supervision, provides both crisis and legal support services for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and their significant others in the form of face-to-face legal advocacy, crisis intervention or telephone contact and court accompaniment. The Paralegal—Legal Advocate position is designed to provide assistance and support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as they go through the criminal or civil justice system. This includes matters involving criminal charges against the offender; matters involving criminal charges against the survivor; obtaining and enforcing personal protection orders; pursuing divorce and child custody issues; landlord/tenant issues; and other matters. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fielding legal questions and assessing and referring cases for representation.
• Providing emergency practical assistance. 
• Providing legal advocacy for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors: assistance with legal forms, education regarding legal proceedings, support prior to and during interactions with courts, police, prosecutors, school administration, DHHS, landlords or any other venues or proceedings in which a survivor’s rights or comfort may be compromised. 
• Providing information regarding the criminal or civil justice system, public assistance, social security and welfare, immigration law, housing law, shelters, divorce, and employment.
• Providing legal advocacy in office and accompaniment to court, PPO office, prosecutor’s office, Victim Witness Office, law enforcement offices or any other venue where legal advocacy may take place.
• Inputting client information into the stats database/spreadsheet.  
• Referring clients to shelters, relocation assistance, and medical facilities when appropriate.
• Problem solving and managing tasks as they arise.
• Interacting with personnel of local law enforcement, court personnel, and social or human service agencies when advocating for clients and the program.
• Conducting presentations and trainings to community-based organizations and other service providers to promote the availability of resources.  
• Serving as an internal resource to YWCA staff, answering questions and making educational presentations.   
• Participating in volunteer training, as needed.
• Attending and participating in team meetings, consultation, individual supervision, and staff meetings. 
• Maintaining case records and statistics as required.
• Providing triage and safety issues with attorney, while communicating with client the reality of the legal situation.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

HIGHLY VALUED SKILLS

• Bi-Lingual Spanish 
  1. Translation/Interpretation for pro-bono attorneys, law student interns or Legal Aide. This includes accompanying attorneys to court to interpret, translating court orders and stipulations, and letters.
  2. Interpreting intensive client interviews.
  3. Translating publicity, training and office materials. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED

• A strong commitment to working exclusively with victims of sexual and domestic violence, stalking, child sexual abuse.  
• Paralegal degree preferred, extensive legal training at minimum
• Must be a team player
• Active listening and crisis intervention skills.
• Knowledge of the facts and dynamics of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and child sexual abuse. 
• Experience in crisis intervention and knowledge of group and family dynamics.
• Knowledge of community resources and the criminal justice system.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• The ability to write, edit and proofread routine reports, court and correspondence in a clear, concise and effective manner is essential.  
• Must be able to enter and retrieve data using computer systems, systems applications, and other office equipment.
• Ability to communicate with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Must be able to function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with consumers, staff, and support agencies. 
• Must be able to relate to and work with disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.
• Knowledge of laws and statutes regarding individuals with disabilities is a plus.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Ability to evaluate and respond to surroundings is required to perform duties. 
• Has access to and willingness to use personal transportation for business purposes, with compensation as allowed by policy.
• Ability to be qualified as an approved driver for the YWCA.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work environment includes typical office setting and various legal venues (courts, law enforcement office, prosecutor’s office, etc.)
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant case conditions due to client’s physical and emotional state, as well as the client’s social or family environment.
• Conditions are subject to occasional exposure to agitated or threatening individuals. 

REQUIRED TRAININGS

The information noted herein is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this classification.   The information is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required of personnel so classified.