Legal Advocate

TURNING POINT INC•Mount Clemens, MI

6d•$21 - $21

About The Position

Turning Point, Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Mount Clemens, Michigan, that provides comprehensive services and resources to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence. Its services include emergency shelter, housing, advocacy and counseling, forensic nurse examiner and first-response advocacy services, a 24-hour hotline, personal protection order assistance, legal advocacy, community education, and systems change. The Legal Advocate provides court assistance, follow-up services, resources, and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The role also provides referrals, direct assistance, and crisis intervention within the Warren court and law enforcement systems, and builds relationships with court and law enforcement personnel to support systems change. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Travel to multiple locations in Macomb County and, occasionally, surrounding counties is required to provide services. The successful candidate will work independently and multitask in a fast-paced office environment, with flexibility in schedule, work location, and job function. The role requires driving to multiple sites, operating general office equipment, working with diverse populations, and reliable transportation. A valid Michigan driver’s license, insurance, and a good driving record are required. Candidates must pass a criminal background check. The position requires the ability to lift 20 pounds and climb stairs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a related field, or 2–4 years of experience in survivor/legal advocacy.
Knowledge of survivor-centered, trauma-informed, advocacy-based interventions rooted in anti-oppression values and the empowerment model.
Knowledge of crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, lethality assessments, and safety planning.
Knowledge of advocacy across systems such as criminal justice, family court, child welfare, healthcare, education, and human services.
Knowledge of victim’s rights, community resources, and the impact of violence on survivors and their loved ones.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work with survivors from diverse backgrounds and understand barriers faced by people with intersecting oppressed identities.
Knowledge of cultural and societal influences on survivors’ experiences and healing, and trauma-informed practices for adult and child survivors.
Skills in assessing and intervening with suicidal clients.
Ability to work independently and multitask in a fast-paced office environment.
Flexibility in schedule, work location, and job function.
Ability to drive to multiple sites; reliable transportation, insurance, a valid Michigan driver’s license, and a good driving record.
Ability to operate general office equipment.
Ability to lift 20 pounds and climb stairs.
Must pass a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Implement the agency and program mission and empowerment philosophy.
Administer and implement agency policies and procedures.
Maintain agency confidentiality, record-keeping, and professional ethics policies.
Provide court assistance and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including travel to service locations in Macomb County and occasionally surrounding counties.
Accurately maintain and document activities and services, complete documentation on time, and submit it monthly to the Director of Legal Advocacy.
Assist survivors with address confidentiality.
Collaborate with Lakeshore Legal Aid, prosecutors, court personnel, and law enforcement on domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault cases.
Work with the Director of Legal Advocacy to maintain efficient and accessible legal advocacy services.
Research community resources and stay current on changes to relevant laws and criminal and district court procedures.
Notify the Director of Legal Advocacy, Senior Director of Education and Strategy, or CEO about emergencies that may affect staff, clients, or Warren Community Partners.
Participate in applicable staff training courses and workshops.
Attend departmental and agency staff meetings and other meetings required by Turning Point.
Build collegial relationships that promote mutual respect, service improvement, and interdepartmental program development.
Perform other duties as assigned.