Attorney - Justice Center

Domestic Violence Center of Chester County • West Whiteland Township, PA

14h • Onsite

About The Position

PA licensed and PA barred attorney to provide domestic violence survivors with legal representation and advocacy.

Requirements

• Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines.
• Able to meet with and speak to multiple survivors quickly and efficiently at the Justice Center in order to obtain relevant information for court filings on deadlines while maintaining a trauma-informed approach.
• Strong commitment to the mission and goals of DVCCC, professional work goals and personal development.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of issues confronted by survivors of abuse.
• Able to work with survivors of abuse and their children. Able to work with a diverse population and assist them with addressing trauma.
• Knowledge of civil, criminal and family court systems, and community agency support services available to victims of domestic violence.
• Attorney court representation experience.
• Excellent organization skills and ability to write legal pleadings, briefs, etc.
• Able to work independently on projects and assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and internal and external colleagues.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to meet program needs and grantor accountability requirements.
• Willingness to work in-person, not from home.
• Adherence to all agency policies and procedures (attendance, work hours, paperwork, etc.)
• Child abuse, criminal and FBI clearances as required by the state and DVCCC.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Products.
• Must have transportation to travel to court, meetings and trainings.
• Complete PCADV’S required 45-hour counselor/advocate training and PCCD’s training requirements.
• Annually complete required courses to maintain law license.
• Participate in Family Law Section of Chester County Bar Association to stay current with amendments to Family Law legislation and procedure.
• Required Juris Doctorate and a licensed member of the Pennsylvania Bar
• Experience working with Family Law

Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client identification and information. May disclose confidential information only with valid, informed consent from a client or a party legally authorized to consent on behalf of client.
• Assist survivors with filing Temporary Protection from Abuse Orders and represent clients at Final Protection from Abuse hearings.
• Assist survivors with filing for emergency custody in family violence cases.
• Assist survivors with individual advocacy including return of personal property or other belongings, advocate on behalf of the client with other service providers.
• Provide victim advocacy and/or accompaniment to a law enforcement agency in order to provide victim support during the interview.
• Ensure the legal services adequately meet the needs of domestic violence survivors.
• Provide survivors with information about the criminal justice process, victim rights, and referrals to other systems.
• Work in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office and Family Court Administration to coordinate the referrals of domestic violence cases to DVCCC.
• Work with the Director of Legal Services, the CEO and other staff leaders to ensure services are provided at the Chester County Justice Center.
• Work with DVCCC legal advocates to provide services to clients.
• Assist in the preparation of progress and data reports specific to legal services.
• Maintain valid law license in PA and complete required CLE credits.
• Assist with answering hotline in the Justice Center and/or office line.
• Participate in all agency-wide events: 45-hour advocate training; October Awareness; volunteer recognition, various celebrations, fairs, etc.
• Attend staff meetings and other required meetings.
• Assist with accomplishing agency-wide annual goals and objectives.
• Assist with keeping the facility clean and neat.
• Prepare a monthly progress and challenge report for supervisor.
• Work with staff to coordinate services for victim/survivors.
• Establish effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and a variety of internal and external colleagues.
• Attend Chester County Bar Association meetings/functions to inform fellow lawyers of DVCCC’s services and funding needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree