Legal Advocate

*Legal Advocate* *Reports to: *Program Supervisor *Compensation: *$24-$26/hr *Hours: *FT - 35 hrs/week *Organization* MiA - Mujeres in Action is the only organization in the Spokane region providing culturally responsive intervention services primarily to Latinx survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault (DV/SA), and conducting prevention efforts in Spanish.
Since fall of 2018, MiA has been helping Latinx families find safety, stability and independence as well as forming key partnerships with other agencies to expand services to the Latinx community.
To learn more about MiA, please visit www.
miaspokane.
org.
*Position Overview* The Mente y Corazon Program aims to enhance the survivor’s and their families’ well-being and help them reach stability and independence through advocacy-based counseling, crisis intervention, safety planning, risk assessment, case management and support groups.
This position of Legal Advocate is a person who assists a victim/survivor with civil legal issues including preparing paperwork for protection orders, accompanying a victim/survivor to a hearing or other civil proceeding, and all other advocacy within the civil justice system.
Legal Advocates are not attorneys.
Advocates do not give advice—especially not legal advice.
Nor do advocates tell survivors what “should” be done or what is the “right” way.
There is no “right” nor “wrong” way to respond to a domestic violence situation or to a survivor’s legal situation.
Advocacy is not a substitute for legal advice nor legal representation.
*Key Responsibilities * \*Assess survivors’ immediate needs related to domestic abuse \*Aid in development of a safety plan for survivors and their children \*Assist survivors receiving legal advocacy with or refer them to internal and external resources for appropriate housing, financial assistance, counseling, and more \*Provide culturally appropriate legal advocacy to survivors of family violence, including: \*Providing information about the legal processes and options available to them through the civil and criminal legal systems \*Supporting survivors involved in court proceedings \*Referring to legal aid agencies and/or agencies specializing in family law, protection orders, and immigration \*Coordinating survivor support services provided through law enforcement, prosecution and the courts \*Providing courthouse navigation for participants \*Provide trauma informed emotional support to help victims understand feelings and behaviors in response to abuse and specific ways to build self-esteem and coping strategies.
\*Meet with program participants wherever it is safe and convenient for them such as parks, coffee shops, etc.
Also, assist and accompany participants to appointments related to legal assistance, court, and other service providers and/or agencies as needed.
\*Responsible for triage and referral of program participants to a therapist.
This involves following up regularly with participants as well as collaborating with the therapist to ensure participants’ needs are met.
\*Facilitates support groups as needed for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault.
\*Coordinate with other agencies in planning and linking participants to referral services (for example: legal, medical, social services, financial, etc.
) \*Perform screenings and completes intake paperwork of survivors Help coordinate access to transportation, childcare, phone, internet services and other services for program participants as needed \*Maintain client files and track records in accordance with MiA policies and standards.
\*Observe all program requirements for confidentiality and privileged communication.
\*Help support outreach efforts in the community to share about our Mente y Corazon program \*Provides culturally responsive direct services including crisis intervention, advocacy-based counseling, risk assessment, support group facilitation to victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and case management.
\*Explore participants’ own resources and further service options including making appropriate referrals; collaborating with other staff, addressing with participant any necessary concerns (e.
g.
preparing temporary restraining orders, parenting issues regarding domestic violence) \*Provide victim compensation information and assist in filing compensation forms as needed.
\*Advocate with outside system regarding client’s needs and provide on-going advocacy for any participant receiving legal advocacy in the Mente y Corazon program \*Support quality assurance and evaluation of services as required.
\*Maintain 20 hours of on-going training in DV and 12 hours of on-going training in SA issues annually.
\*Participate in all-staff training sessions and attend staff meetings.
\*Perform other duties as assigned *Position Qualifications* *REQUIRED* Demonstrated oral and written bi-lingual (English/Spanish) skills Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, maintaining professional attitude and respectful demeanor with participants, co-workers, community partners, and supervisors at all times Knowledge of the legal system (civil, municipal, and criminal courts, family law, protection orders).
Maintains the confidentiality of all participants/co-worker/organizational business Support of MiA - Mujeres in Action’s goals, values, mission and vision Holds a valid WA Driver’s License and has dependable transportation Is proficient with PCs and Microsoft Office applications Has completed a criminal and child abuse background check.
*PREFERRED* Knowledge of diverse community resources (i.
e.
housing, food, health care, etc.
) A demonstrated understanding and interest in issues surrounding domestic and sexual violence and other topics relating to survivor and their children from diverse Latinx backgrounds Knowledge of or experience working with people from diverse groups Experience working with domestic and/or sexual assault survivors Crisis intervention and counseling skills Manages difficult or emotional survivor situations Maintains professional boundaries when working with families and children so as to remain as open and objective as possible A respect and sensitivity for cultural differences, and a desire to promote a harassment-free environment Ability to engage in constructive self‐care activities to manage secondary trauma *Education/Experience:* Bachelor’s degree in a social science or related field preferred, OR equivalent combination of education and experience Domestic violence and/or advocacy experience strongly desired.
Must complete about 38 hours of of initial DV/SA victim advocacy training Survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence and women of color are encouraged to apply.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
*Position Opportunities* * Make an impact in the lives of survivors in your community * Work within a passionate, diverse team of MiA staff and volunteers * Gain deeper knowledge and understanding about domestic and sexual violence * Receive 50+ hours of DV and SA training * Make valuable connections with other agencies and community leaders * Be a part of systemic change in the community *Hours, Pay, Benefits* * Mon-Fri 9am-4pm with schedule flexibility * Freedom to work remotely on some days * 14 paid holidays per year * 2 paid personal days per year * 3 days of unpaid time per year * Up to 60 hours of PTO the first year, then it increases * Up to 52 hours of paid sick time * Health stipend * Monthly self care activities sponsored by MiA * 50% off YMCA single or family membership *How to Apply* Please submit your resume, cover letter to hsanchez@miaspokane.
org.
No phone calls please.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: $24.
00 - $26.
00 per hour Expected hours: 35 per week Benefits: * Flexible schedule * Paid sick time * Paid time off Language: * English and Spanish (Required) License/Certification: * Driver's License (Required) Work Location: In person