Legal Advocate - Domestic Violence Program

at  The Salvation Army

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides support, information, advocacy, and court accompaniment to victims of domestic violence and/or victims of forced prostitution including assistance with protective orders, civil, criminal, and other court matters, and legal referrals enhancing the safety of survivors and their children; meets face-to-face with clients and provides an orientation of services including a legal assessment; coordinates and provides services in confidential domestic violence shelter or the non-residential offices, including: legal advocacy, safety planning, referrals, educational activities and ongoing emotional support; provides coverage for crisis line and monitors client behaviors throughout the day; provides community outreach and education regarding legal issues that affect victims of violence and their children.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of domestic violence, effects of violence on children, and poverty issues.
Knowledge of the legal rights of victims and the civil and criminal legal systems.
Knowledge of community resources and agencies providing social service assistance, especially familiar with those providing legal resources.
Knowledge of effective and efficient methods of organizing and maintaining records.
Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army.
Ability to apply discretion and independent judgment when addressing and resolving social service issues.
Ability to maintain the security and confidentiality of client records.
Ability to work sensitively with traumatized populations and to handle crisis appropriately.
Ability to comprehend and analyze legal information, including statutes, and to explain it in a way in that clients can understand.
Ability to relate to the staff and perform job with a minimum of supervision.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably majoring in one of the behavioral sciences,
And
One year experience working assisting clients with their legal needs,
Or
Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to meet attendance requirements.
Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively.
Ability to drive a 12-passenger van safely and in accordance with all laws and regulations.
Ability to effectively and efficiently work on multiple cases at the same time without becoming overwhelmed or disorganized.
Ability and willingness to conduct all duties in accordance with the ministry of the organization and its Christian principles; conducts all communications and job duties with the highest level of professionalism.
Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.).
Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a shelter environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.
Application Submittal Period: 08/16/2024 - 09/15/2024
When an application is selected for review, typically, only applicants who indicate the relevant education and experience requirements, as indicated in the job description for the position, may be considered for job openings. Please FULLY complete the application, answer questions completely, honestly and to the best of your ability. Please also upload a copy of your resume (when available). Those applicants requiring accommodation to the application and/or interview process should contact a representative of the Human Resources Department at the applicable location.
We appreciate your interest in employment opportunities with The Salvation Army

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.
Legal Assistance Responsibilities (60%)
Provides legal assistance to victims of domestic violence and/or victims of forced prostitution who either reside in the shelter or are receiving non-residential services and enhances the safety of victims of violence survivors and their children; meets face-to-face with residents and provides an orientation of services.
Provides victims of violence with information about the legal processes and options available to them through the civil and criminal legal systems.
Assists clients in filling out necessary paperwork including but not limited to protective orders, Crime Victim’s Compensation application, and Pro-Se divorce and custody forms.
Provides support and advocacy to victims involved in criminal or civil court proceedings and/or issues related to citizenship.
Prepares victims for court appearances emotionally and accompany them to court hearings.
Provides appropriate services within agency capabilities, and provides referrals to other resources when necessary.
Coordinates services with assigned Case Manager and informs assigned Case Manager or supervisor of special problems, needs, etc.
Monitors client activity in the program area, or during other group activities such as meals, chapel or recreation.
Liaison Responsibilities (20%)
Serves as a liaison between the client and relevant legal community resources, including but not limited to Legal Aid, Child Protective Services, and the Office of the Attorney General.
Coordinates victim support services provided through law enforcement, prosecution and the courts.
Participates in local efforts to improve the community’s response to domestic violence.
Enhances networking system with courts, law enforcement, legal services, and other agencies.
Administrative Responsibilities (20%)
Maintains files for each client; completes progress notes for individual and group sessions, documents services provided on daily log; submits required reports and statistics; prepares written incident reports; etc., as needed.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Attends trainings and community meetings as requested.
Dispenses medications as prescribed and in accordance with program policies and procedures.
Answers 24-hour crisis line and completes Hotlines, as needed.
Performs Case Aide duties, as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.