Full-time Legal Advocate

Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA: Non-exempt (hourly)
Supervised by: Director of Client Services

Please email resumes and cover letters to our Director of Legal Services at Andrea.Collins@familyabusecenter.org. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE:

The Legal Advocate serves as a liaison between FAC and the legal system, assisting residential and non-residential clients as they navigate through the criminal justice and civil court processes and access various crime victim assistance programs. Successful applicants will have experience working in the field of domestic and/or sexual violence or the legal field. 

The regular workday for this position will be within Family Abuse Center business hours, M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for special client activities and certain outreach activities including but not limited to National Night Out events. Work hours cannot exceed 40 hours per week without pre-approved overtime.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the education, experience, skill/ability, and licenses/credentials required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Pre-law, or Social Service, or equivalent combination of skills and experience. 
  • Master's degree preferred. 

Experience:

  • 1-3 years experience in the field of domestic and/or sexual violence preferred.
  • Knowledge of criminal and civil proceedings. 
  • Experience working with diverse people and groups. 
  • Experience working for systemic changes in the community. 
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in working as both a leader and a team member. 

Skills/Abilities:

  • Fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred but not required.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Demonstrates experience and ease working with a diverse population of clients.
  • Demonstrates effectiveness as a member of a team as well as the ability to work independently. 
  • Ability to resolve conflict and receive supervision.
  • Demonstrates crisis intervention skills.
  • Maintain personal balance while accomplishing multiple tasks that require a variety of skills.
  • Strong organizational skills. 
  • Flexibility and ability to prioritize job responsibilities. 
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Products. 

LICENSES/CREDENTIALS:

  • N/A

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Providing direct services to victims of family violence including, but not limited to, court accompaniment, assistance with filing for protective orders and crime victim's compensation, crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency legal advocacy, basic case management and information and referral regarding other legal resources. 
  • Provide community education and training to rural communities to help identify victims of family violence and provide or refer them to needed services. 
  • Develop working relationships with law enforcement personnel, community agencies, faith-based organizations, district attorney, judges, medical professionals, volunteers and other entities that work with or encounter victims of family violence.  
  • Assist with crisis line coverage as needed.
  • Maintain case files of each client session and enter client statistical data in the electronic database. 
  • Believe in and act in accordance with the agency's mission statement and goals. 
  • Write routine reports, correspondence, and appropriate case notes. 
  • Document all client services as well as community outreach work. 
  • Experience working with diverse populations and groups. 
  • Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.