Legal Advocate

Overview

Under the general supervision of the Direct Services Program Supervisor, the Legal Advocate works with victims of violence in a trauma-informed care and advocacy-based counseling model to provide legal information, assistance in navigating the civil and criminal justice systems, support in court, help in obtaining and completing restraining order paperwork, referrals to legal, community, and other resources, safety planning, domestic violence education, emotional support, crisis intervention, and case management services.  The Legal Advocate is not a lawyer and does not give legal advice.

Reports to:  Direct Services Program Supervisor, Executive Director

 Job Classification:  Non-Exempt, Non-Supervisory

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities May Include:

• Delivers comprehensive legal advocacy services (excluding legal advice or representation) including the provision of legal information, court accompaniment, and assistance with obtaining restraining orders.

• Provides direct services to victims of abuse including the assessment of participant needs through individual peer counseling and/or crisis intervention, advocacy, development of case management plans that address immediate and long-term needs, and accompaniment/referrals to community agencies and resources.

• Assists with the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers who work as advocates for victims of abuse. 

• Ensures file records are maintained and in compliance with grant goals and objectives and Lassen Family Services policies and procedures.

• Compiles statistical information according to grant compliance standards.

• Provides public education on issues related to abuse, legal advocacy, and the services offered at Lassen Family Services.

• Attends conferences and workshops related to abuse and legal advocacy, networks with other service providers, and maintains positive relationships with community agencies.

• Attends and participates in staff meetings.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate written records.

• Ability to work within the confines of confidentiality and ensure that professional boundaries are maintained.

• Ability to establish positive, effective, and cooperative working relationships and use good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness when dealing with other employees and the public.

• Ability to effectively communicate, understand instructions, and follow directions.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with changes in priorities.

• Ability to work independently and productively with minimal supervision.

• Ability to work as a team member.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to identify problem areas within the scope of the position and find solutions.

• Ability to provide peer counseling, crisis intervention, and compassionate support services for victims of violence.

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to issues surrounding abuse.

• Ability to communicate with persons from a variety of socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

• Ability to demonstrate commitment to the agencies mission and values.

• Ability to type 40 wpm preferred.

Knowledge of:​

• Community organizations that provide social services and support.

• Service assessment methods and techniques.

• Teamwork and application.

• Individual and group peer counseling principles, methods, and techniques.

• Cultural competency and application.

• Office equipment including faxes, copiers, computers, printers, cell phones, etc.

• Windows based office technologies including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe.

Training/Experience/Education:

Any combination of training, experience, and education which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be the completion of Lassen Family Services’, Inc. Crisis Intervention Peer Counseling training.  Preferred one-year experience in working with domestic and/or sexual violence survivors.   Preferred Associate Degree in human services, social work, or similar field. 

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Typical Physical Requirements:

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements): Sits for extended periods; frequently stands, walks, stoops, kneels and crouches to pick-up and or move objects, may occasionally lift and/or move objects weighting up to 25 pounds.

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Typical Working Conditions

Work is performed in a variety of environments including the Shelter, Lassen Family Services’ business office, Lassen Superior Court, and other community organizations; requires frequent driving to different locations and sites throughout the service area; frequent contact and communication with other staff, the public, participants, and representatives of other agencies; work hours may be variable and outside the normal 8 am to 5 pm workday to meet the requirements of the position; incumbents are expected to be available on stand-by for crisis intervention responses at any time during specifically assigned time periods.

 

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and insurance with acceptable DMV Record.

• Acceptable State and FBI criminal background check.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR certification
  EOE

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Minimum Education and Experience