Client Advocate

Maitri•Santa Clara, CA

19h

About The Position

We are seeking a compassionate and dynamic individual to join a team of passionate advocates serving the south Asian community and beyond. The new Client Advocate will support survivors of gender-based violence through culturally responsive advocacy, with responsibilities spanning the Helpline/Peer Counseling and Legal Advocacy programs. This role requires a trauma-informed and empathetic approach, strong collaboration across teams, and the ability to adapt support to each survivor’s unique circumstances and needs.

Requirements

Strong commitment to Maitri's mission and values
Fluency in at least one South Asian language in addition to English required
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with preferably 1 year of experience in DV advocacy, community based advocacy or social service work
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Experience and/or ability to work effectively with people in crisis situations with patience, compassion, and flexibility
Experience and/or ability to work respectfully with persons of diverse ethnic, religious, educational, language, sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds
Basic proficiency in using Internet, MS Outlook, Excel, and Word
Willingness to work a flexible schedule when needed and to complete tasks on hand
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; to manage multiple tasks and prioritize tasks and projects; to be detail-oriented, well-organized and flexible
Willingness to work some evenings and/or weekends based on agency needs, as required
A valid US work authorization required, Maitri will not sponsor work visas at this time
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a motor vehicle
Must clear background check (fingerprinting), valid TB test
Must have completed or be willing to complete 40hr California State Domestic Violence Counselor certification (training will be provided)

Nice To Haves

Specific helpline or legal advocacy experience will be a plus but not a must (on the job training will be provided regardless of experience)

Responsibilities

Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate live Helpline coverage for a minimum of 3 days per week and serve as the first point of contact for those needing Maitri services; Live Helpline coverage will be during a 3-hour slot between 9am and 3pm Monday-Friday
Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, peer counseling, referrals and other resources during live Helpline coverage
Follow up with Helpline callers as needed to provide case management services
Provide Peer Counseling to clients based on their needs
Assist with other mission-related client advocacy programs work as needed
Comply with all confidentiality requirements, ethical and legal obligations of the program and agency
Work closely with the Crisis Intervention Coordinator to ensure that callers’ needs are addressed satisfactorily
Facilitate culturally and linguistically appropriate, non-judgmental, trauma informed client legal advocacy services
Provide information and education about dynamics of domestic violence and legal options
Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate support with restraining orders, other legal paperwork, court accompaniment to clients during criminal, family and immigration court proceedings
Facilitate weekly and/or as needed in-person attorney consultations with clients
Provide peer counseling, advocacy, referrals and information to all clients in-person or over the phone when needed
Comply with all confidentiality requirements, ethical and legal obligations of the program and agency
Work closely with the Legal Advocacy Coordinator to ensure that legal needs of Maitri clients are met
Ensure accurate maintenance of records, data, and timely reporting
Compile and provide reports as needed for projects and grants
Attend monthly staff and volunteer meetings to foster understanding and communication and growth as a Maitri team member
Support all agency activities and events and team members as needed
Ensure compliance with language access mandates imposed by city, state or national authorities
Assist in general administrative work related to this work as needed
Uphold and maintain Maitri’s Leadership Principles Framework in all behaviors and interactions