Legal Advocate

Children's Legacy Center•Redding, CA

4d•$18 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
AA Degree required
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.
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.