Legal Advocate

WAGE RANGE: $16.90 – $19.00 / hour
REPORTS TO: Office Manager
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
DEPARTMENT: Counseling Center / Admin Office
LOCATION: Porterville, CA
SUPERVISES: None
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: English & Spanish (Biliterate Required)
DRESS CODE: Business Casual (Jeans/T-shirts only on Friday with approval)
SCHEDULE: Full-Time, 40 hours per week; Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. This is the required schedule for all Legal Advocates. Any changes or alternate hours require prior written approval from the Executive Director.

About Central California Family Crisis Center, Inc.

Central California Family Crisis Center, Inc. (CCFCC) is a culturally and linguistically competent multi-service nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those affected by domestic and sexual violence, elder abuse, economic deprivation, and homelessness. We emphasize client-centered, trauma-informed care and work with diverse partners to promote individual, family, and community transformation. CCFCC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state employment laws. As a federally grant-funded agency, CCFCC is federally grant-funded, all job applicants and employees will require a federal background investigation and clearance including a federal clearance for drug screening of cannabis. Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, federal workplaces and non-federal workplaces with a federal contract of $100,000 or more or a federal grant in any amount must implement a Drug-Free Workplace Program. CCFCC is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Summary of Position

TheLegal Advocate is responsible for providing comprehensive support to victims of Domestic Violence (DV) and Human Trafficking (HT), ensuring they are guided through the legal system with professionalism, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.

This position requires close collaboration with clients, law enforcement, court personnel, and other service providers to ensure victims’ rights are upheld. Legal Advocates are also responsible for maintaining compliance with agency procedures, ensuring safety during client interactions, and coordinating vehicle use and schedules with fellow Advocates.

A high degree of communication, coordination, and accountability is required. Legal Advocates represent the agency both in the courthouse and the community and must conduct themselves in alignment with CCFCC’s mission, policies, and standards of care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Client & Court Support

• Explain the court process to clients, including the different types of protective orders.
• Assist with the preparation and filing of protective order paperwork.
• Accompany clients to the courthouse, sheriff’s office, and other legal proceedings as needed.
• Request and coordinate interpretation services for clients with limited English proficiency.
• Ensure that all documentation is accurate, reviewed and filed in a timely manner.
• Provide court accompaniment and transportation for shelter clients as needed.
• Provide legal information and advocacy; this position does not provide legal advice or legal representation.

Referrals & Resources

• Provide direct referrals for child custody, child support, counseling, housing, and other services identified through intake and assessment.
• Connect clients to both internal programs (support groups, counseling) and external partners.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with clients to confirm services are received.

Crisis Response, Support Groups & Community Outreach

• Provide crisis counseling by phone and in person to both primary and secondary victims of DV/HT.
• Deliver community education presentations to raise awareness about DV/HT and available resources.
• Develop and carry out community outreach and education activities related to domestic violence and human trafficking, with a focus on prevention, awareness, and access to services.
• Conduct presentations, workshops, and informational sessions in both English and Spanish for community members, schools, and partner agencies.
• Participate in public awareness campaigns and represent CCFCC at community events.
• Distribute educational materials and promote agency services to the broader community.
• Participate in and support partnerships with local schools and community programs that align with CCFCC’s mission

Documentation & Compliance

• Accurately document all services in client files and designated data systems.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with state/federal laws and agency policies.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or other mandated areas.
• Maintain accurate statistical records of services provided to ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements, including quarterly and semi-annual reporting as required by funding sources.

Coordination & Communication

• Maintain open communication with fellow Legal Advocates, supervisors, and the Office Manager.
• Participate in weekly or as-directed coordination meetings to divide caseloads, schedule courthouse coverage, and plan sheriff’s office visits.
• Share information to prevent duplication of work or gaps in client services.
• Foster cooperative relationships with law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and community partners.

Vehicle Use & Transportation

• Submit all vehicle requests through the approved Vehicle Request Form.
• Complete mileage logs after each trip.
• Ensure the vehicle is returned fueled, clean, and parked in the designated lot.
• Coordinate with fellow Legal Advocates to share the single agency vehicle fairly.
• When feasible, travel together to the courthouse, sheriff’s office (30 minutes away), or community events to conserve resources.
• Vehicle use priority is given to scheduled court hearings, urgent client crises, and supervisor-approved activities.

Safety & Workplace Practices

• Maintain a safe and transparent environment during client meetings. Blinds must remain open unless directed otherwise for safety or confidentiality purposes.
• Adhere to all CCFCC safety procedures, including facility entry/exit protocols and emergency response guidelines.
• Report safety hazards or concerns to a supervisor immediately.
• Uphold professional boundaries with clients at all times.

Administrative & Other Duties

• Answer phones, greet visitors, and assist walk-in clients as needed.
• Attend required trainings, all-staff meetings, and department-specific meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the mission and role of CCFCC.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Associate of Arts degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or related field. Equivalent experience may substitute for education.
• 1–2 years of experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, violence, or homelessness.

Skills & Abilities:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required (speak, read, write, comprehend, and translate).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and case management systems.
• Ability to coordinate schedules, share resources, and maintain teamwork in high-stress environments
• **Due to the nature of this role and exposure to traumatic content, candidates must demonstrate emotional readiness, professionalism, and the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries in high-stress environments.**

Other Requirements:

• Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance, and an insurable driving record.
• Must have a clear State DOJ and FBI criminal background check.
• **Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.**
• Completion of a 40-hour Domestic Violence Counselor/Advocate certification (State of CA).
• Completion of a 40-hour Human Trafficking Victim Advocate certification (State of CA). (If Applicable)
• Completion of 1-hour Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (non-supervisory, every 2 years).

Work Environment

The work environment includes a normal office setting,courthouse visits, sheriff’s office trips, and community outreach sites. Noise levels range from quiet to moderately noisy. Travel to the courthouses, occasional sheriff’s office trips, and community outreach sites. The standard schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility for crisis or court proceedings only if pre-approved by the Executive Director.

Special ADA Requirements

CCFCC complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides reasonable accommodations when necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• The 'Essential Duties & Responsibilities' and 'Qualifications' listed are considered essential job functions.
• Bending, lifting, and carrying up to 40 pounds (files/boxes) required.
• Both standing and sitting are required for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs in facilities and client housing.
• Ability to hear, see, and communicate detailed instructions and information clearly in person and over the phone.
• Manual dexterity required for repetitive motion using hands, wrists, and/or fingers for computer and office equipment.

Additional Information

Employment is At-Will. Wages are determined by experience and scope of position. Benefits such as vacation, paid sick leave, holiday pay, and health insurance will be discussed separately. Job descriptions do not constitute employment contracts.

Pay: $16.90 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to work Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with no remote schedule unless pre-approved?
• Are you comfortable accompanying clients to court and interacting with judges, attorneys, and law enforcement professionals?
• Are you able to pass a DOJ/FBI background check and pre-employment drug screen in accordance with federal funding requirements?

Experience:

• working with individuals impacted by DV / HT/ Crisis-related: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Work Location: In person