Legal Advocate

Alliance for Community Transformations•Merced, CA

46m

About The Position

The Legal Advocate provides trauma-informed crisis intervention, legal advocacy, case management, court support, and system navigation services to survivors of Intimate Partner Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. This position assists clients in navigating the criminal, family, and civil legal systems while promoting safety, empowerment, and access to holistic community resources. The Legal Advocate serves as a liaison between clients and community partners (local and out-of-county/state), supports outreach and educational initiatives, maintains accurate legal documentation, and upholds the mission and values of Alliance for Community Transformations.

Requirements

Knowledge of • Domestic violence and sexual assault dynamics. • Criminal justice, civil, and family court systems. • Crisis intervention and peer counseling techniques. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to explain legal processes without providing legal advice. • Strong organizational and time management skills. • Cultural competency and trauma-informed service delivery. • Microsoft Office and basic computer systems.
Ability to • Communicate effectively verbally, electronically, and in writing. • Work in stressful, crisis-driven situations. • Exercise sound judgment, boundaries, and professionalism. • Work independently with limited supervision and as part of a team. • Prioritize workload and maintain organization. • Build effective relationships with clients, staff, and external partners. • Provide clear documentation and reports. • Represent the agency professionally in the community.
High School Diploma or GED required.
Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of work or volunteer experience in social services preferred.
Completion of Volunteer Training upon hire.
Valid California Driver’s License.
Reliable transportation and proof of insurance.
DMV clearance.
Fingerprint clearance (agency-paid; employment contingent upon passing).
Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends.
Participation in rotating crisis hotline coverage.
Ability to travel locally within rural service areas.
Be accurate, reliable, punctual, well organized, careful and thorough.
Communicate effectively orally, electronically, and in writing.
Work effectively under limited supervision, high stress, and rapidly changing situations.
Work effectively with individuals from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Help clients resolve interpersonal conflict in a nonviolent and healthy way.
Prioritize work, exercise sound judgment, and manage workload.
Demonstrate comfort and proficiency in operating computers and other technology.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, and the general public.
Analyze facts and exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
Prepare concise reports.
Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
Mental acuity to perform essential functions accurately and timely.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault preferred.
Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess clients’ current and long-term legal advocacy needs in criminal, civil, and family court.
Serve as a liaison and advocate between clients and community partners including Superior Courts, District Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness, Law Enforcement Agencies, law offices, medical providers, and Health & Human Services.
Assist clients in navigating the criminal justice system.
Provide assistance with restraining order and custody documentation throughout the life of a case.
Create or update Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order (DVTRO) Request Packets.
Provide clients with appropriate legal forms for Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault (Civil Harassment) Restraining Orders.
Explain legal rights, options, court procedures, and documentation without providing legal advice.
Provide crisis intervention and peer counseling while clients prepare incident narratives.
File and retrieve court documents on behalf of clients.
Assist clients through the DVTRO service process.
Accompany clients to hearings, mediation, prosecution meetings, and related legal appointments.
May stand in for clients during criminal hearings to read a Victim Impact Statement when appropriate.
Assist clients in applying for Victim Compensation (CalVBC).
Assist clients with Victim Impact Statement rights and preparation.
Support clients in requesting continuances, renewals, modifications, or termination of restraining orders.
Prepare correspondence on behalf of clients and mentor clients in drafting their own documentation.
Maintain precise and accurate legal client folders and case documentation.
Provide legal advocacy services in rural areas of the county, in person or virtually.
Attend multidisciplinary case staffings, Domestic Violence Response Team meetings, and Public Policy meetings as assigned.
Respond to survivors of Intimate Partner Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault to reduce trauma and provide immediate support.
Provide immediate crisis intervention services through hotline support and direct response to incoming calls. Assess risk, de-escalate situations, provide safety planning, and connect clients to appropriate internal and external resources in alignment with organizational policies and trauma-informed best practices.
Conduct intake assessments and develop individualized safety plans.
Provide short-term peer counseling and emotional support.
Facilitate referrals to shelter, peer counseling, group counseling, response teams, and other community-based services.
Provide transportation for clients when requested or approved by supervisor.
Participate in rotating 24-hour crisis hotline backup coverage, including evenings and weekends.
Ensure all service documentation and statistical reporting is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
Assess and address clients’ current and long-term case management needs using a holistic, trauma-informed approach.
Develop individualized service plans.
Coordinate services with community agencies including courts, DA’s Office, Victim Witness, law enforcement, medical providers, mental health providers, food resources, and social service agencies.
Accompany clients to case management appointments as needed.
Maintain accurate, confidential case files and enter required service data into agency systems in a timely manner.
Assist in organizing and implementing community awareness and fundraising events.
Assist in developing educational and awareness materials.
Prepare and present Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault presentations to community partners including: District Attorney’s Office Sheriff’s Office Judicial Officers Yosemite National Park Bar Associations Other community agencies
Support coordinated community response efforts.
Maintain strict confidentiality of all client information.
Adhere to agency policies, procedures, and mission.
Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required trainings.
Maintain organized and accurate documentation and files.
Represent the organization in a professional and competent manner.
Set priorities and meet deadlines in high-stress and rapidly changing situations.
Supervise volunteers as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned based on program needs.