Legal Advocate

Crisis Line & Safe House Of Central Georgia, Inc.•Macon, GA

4d•$19 - $21

About The Position

The Legal Advocate at Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia serves as a liaison between victims of domestic and dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault and the civil and criminal justice systems. The advocate provides emotional support to victims while guiding them through the legal system, specifically to assist victims in obtaining temporary protective orders. This position is also responsible for providing support and advocacy to victims seeking non-residential services. The Legal Advocate position is contingent on grant funding.

Requirements

Possess a four year degree in a human services field (psychology, sociology, criminal justice, etc.) OR have at least 3 of experience providing direct services to adults or children.
Reliable transportation
Possess an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence OR a willingness to learn more about the issue
Possess an understanding of sexual assault and other sexually-based offenses OR a willingness to learn about the issue
Sensitivity to the needs of others
Ability to work independently
Ability to pass a criminal background check
Willingness to submit to random drug screenings
Willingness to understand and adhere to the confidentiality requirements of the agency

Nice To Haves

Some legal knowledge preferred
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Problem solving skills
Ability to type quickly and accurately

Responsibilities

Assists clients with legal preparation of Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs) either by phone or in person
Travels, when necessary to meet client and/or prepare TPO for client
Coordinates scheduling initial hearings with Superior Court Judges/Clerks
Accompanies client to ex parte hearings as support and to guide clients through initial hearing
Accompanies client to final TPO hearings, bond hearings, and other court dates as necessary to offer continued support for client
Files paperwork in the Superior Court Clerk’s office and ensure all legal documents necessary to validate the TPO are in place
Coordinates successful transition of client representation for final hearings
Assist client with paperwork for final hearing if client is representing self
Acts as liaison between client and criminal justice system
Refers clients to other social service or mental health agencies as necessary
Maintains working relationship with judges in order to maintain a reputation of efficiency, professionalism and reliability for CL&SH
Provides services and support to victims seeking non-residential services through the agency, even when their needs cannot be met with legal advocacy.
Answers the 24-hour crisis hotline and provides callers with support, and referrals, and facilitates intake into one of CL&SH’s other programs, if appropriate.
Maintains accurate client files and documentation of files in the organization database
Maintain additional documentation as necessary to complete grant reports
Maintains relationship with client in order to manage appropriate aftercare, offer encouragement and support, as well as track client outcomes
Assists in building community relationships and awareness of domestic violence issues through participation in community fairs and speaking engagements
Assists in office coverage as necessary
Assists in shelter coverage as necessary