Legal Advocate

Responsible for directing and providing crisis intervention and advocacy to victims of child abuse, elder abuse (family violence), domestic violence and sexual assault. This position works as part of an overall team to provide services and support through agency programs, partners and outside resources provided by collaborative agencies. The Legal Services Advocate role is a non-mandated reporter position.

The Legal Advocate is responsible for civil legal assistance to victims of domestic and sexual abuse, including victims of family violence. The legal services advocate will be responsible for efficiently processing temporary restraining order applications in collaboration with clients.

All civil legal services and advocacy support are client led and may be facilitated in collaboration with other victim services providers. This may include accompanying clients to appointments and interviews with law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, and court proceedings. In addition to providing civil legal assistance to clients, the legal services advocate may also provide crisis intervention, assessment, referral, and other supportive services to clients seeking support at One SAFE Place.

Services may be provided to victims in person, over the phone, and in community-based settings.

Duties:

• Provide assistance to domestic violence/sexual assault victims in obtaining protective orders
• Provide advocacy in Family Court, including pre-court orientation, court advocacy and accompaniment, accompaniment upon request to mediation meetings
• Responsible for recording court decisions in client files via agency case management database.
• Work in collaboration with volunteer Family Court Advocates, navigators, and volunteer legal professionals
• Participate in and support a professional and collaborative working relationship with Family Court staff including Superior Court office clerks, judges, and mediators.
• Stay current on legislation and county court rules as it relates to legal assistance for domestic violence, sexual assault, and family violence victims.
• Participate in the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Committees as assigned by supervisor
• Answer client phone inquiries, providing crisis intervention and referrals as appropriate
• Provide domestic violence/sexual assault crisis counseling and related client services, as needed
• Attend and participate in relevant trainings and monthly in-service meetings as scheduled by supervisor.
• Work with supervisor to acquire state certification as a domestic violence and sexual assault counselor. Remain in good standing by completing ongoing professional development training hours.
• Support training of volunteers and staff on how to assist clients with restraining orders.

Legal Services Advocate Abilities:

• Ability to comprehend the practical application of basic legal forms.
• Ability to appropriately execute legal forms specific to temporary restraining orders and child custody orders.
• Ability to multitask direct client contact with the demands of the client’s basic legal paperwork.
• Ability to manage multiple client court dates and legal paperwork due dates.
• Ability to manage basic web-based applications, including Tyler Odyssey and LawYaw.
• Basic knowledge of court etiquette, dress, and procedures.
• Excellent organizational and filing skills for legal paperwork.
• Requires abstract thinking skills.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time in public places, such as the court room.

General Functions:

• Ensure that residents of all ages are provided with a safe, therapeutic environment for healing, recovery, and growth by always adhering to department philosophy and procedures.
• Reinforce, affirm, and model positive parenting techniques for adults and their children.
• Help victims identify and access appropriate services for themselves and their children, as applicable.
• Management of client service needs, including client callbacks, appointments, and drop-ins.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies, including onsite partners, offsite partners and allied agencies.
• Input collected data from client intake appointments into agency case management database
• Assist clients with obtaining protective/custody orders through the court.
• Attend Family Court and/or Criminal Court (upon request/assisting CVAC with criminal cases/court), record court decisions, and post decisions to client files.
• Respond to requests for on-site domestic violence/sexual assault advocacy and accompaniment when requested.
• Complete and turn in required forms and documentation of services provided.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information.
• Maintain confidentiality of client services conducted at One SAFE Place.
• Work a minimum of two shifts per month on the Crisis Hotline rotation.
• Represent the Agency appropriately in both dress and manner.
• Keep accurate records of hours and submit time sheet at the end of each pay period.
• Capacity to balance and provide self-care while meeting the demands of the agency.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills Required:

• AA Degree required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Bilingual strongly preferred, but not required
• Experience with completion and filing of legal documents and knowledge of family court processes strongly preferred
• Excellent computer skills. Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Word, Excel, and donor programs.
• Excellent written skills.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to maintain good rapport with staff, board members, volunteers, and donors.
• Knowledge and support of issues as described in One SAFE Place’s Mission Statement.
• Maintain a working knowledge of community resources.
• Awareness of the various aspects of physical, sexual, and emotional violence.
• Valid California driver’s license and certificate of insurance.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Satisfactory completion of One SAFE Place’s 66-hour domestic violence and sexual assault crisis intervention training (post-hiring requirement).
• Ability to pass a background investigation (fingerprinting) and pre-employment drug testing.
• Ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time, reach, twist, use hands/fingers to handle or feel office machinery, lift, carry, push, or pull materials and objects up to 30 lbs. as necessary to perform job functions.

ADA Job Characteristics

Work environment is primarily in an office setting. Local travel (driving) may be required to attend off-site meetings or court appointments, as needed. Lift and carry 25 lbs., extend both arms above the head and/or reach below the waist, stoop, squat, crawl, bend the back or open lower-level filing drawers, or to retrieve stored items, climb a ladder or stairs, or use an elevator. Sit frequently and/or stand when filing, using copier, etc. Use fine manipulation (hands and wrist) to operate a keyboard, take notes; utilize desk calculator, file and copy documents. Corrected vision to normal range. Speak in normal vocal tone and range and communicate clearly and concisely to others. Apply normal reasoning and detail as required in the accomplishment of job duties.

Core Competencies:

• Mission: Accepts and demonstrates One SAFE Place’s mission and vision is to provide intervention and safety to a community affected by domestic and sexual abuse. Our vision is a community free of domestic and sexual abuse. We will do this by committing to serve the community with Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, Teamwork, and Respect.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Build rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively and takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better working environment. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed personal and agency goals.

• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations, and how they impact relationships. Has functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Please note that One SAFE Place serves survivors of all genders. If you are also a survivor, we trust that you are in a place of personal healing where you can remain client-focused and manage personal challenges that may arise. You are always encouraged to check in with the director and your supervisor as needed for additional support.

One Safe Place is an At-Will Employer

One Safe Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer