Legal Advocate

Crisis Center North Job Description

Title: Legal Advocate

Reports To: Legal Coordinator

Status: Non-exempt

General Summary:

· To function within the framework of the philosophy, mission and policies of CCN

· To assure the personal safeguards and continued protection of the rights of victims of victims of domestic abuse

· To ensure that domestic violence victims have ongoing access to the legal system, thus securing their rights

· To expose clients to alternatives to living in violence

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The incumbent must have a firm knowledge about the nature of domestic violence and its impact

upon society along with knowledge of current legislation with regard to protection of victims’ rights. She/he/they must bring to the position a capability to work with diverse populations as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, provide crisis intervention, exercise sound judgment and interact professionally and assertively with others. She/he must also have an ability to communicate the principles of victim advocacy, a commitment to the empowerment philosophy of the domestic violence movement and complete the mandated PCADV state approved domestic violence training.

Essential Functions:

1. Provide crisis intervention, support, options and solutions to the immediate needs of a client in legal, medical or judicial venues

Key Tasks:

a. Review steps for obtaining legal protection, filing orders, etc. with victims

b. Educate victims on proper courtroom procedures

c. Provide referrals for shelter, other agencies or systems

d. Provide information on CCN services
f. Provide formal and informal training to district justices, law enforcement and prosecution.

g. Leads Lethality Assessment program (LAP) by promoting, managing and training area police on the lethality assessment protocol

e. Participate in on –call advocacy team and LAP team, providing crisis counseling, accompaniment and follow-up

2. Provide training and outreach to community systems

Key Tasks:

a. Provide formal and informal training to district justices, law enforcement and prosecution. Advocate IV promotes, manages and trains area police on lethality assessment protocol.

b. Assist in volunteer training

c. Network with Neighborhood Legal Services, Family Court and other domestic violence programs advocates to provide victims with access to adequate legal protection

3. Tracks and documents service provision in the area of legal assistance

Key Tasks:

a. Maintains logs on types of accompaniment and service provider (i.e., police, district justices, hospitals, attorneys, etc.)

b. Documents purpose and number of contacts with victim

c. Compiles and reports relevant statistics on a weekly/monthly basis

4. Participate as a team member

Key Tasks:

a. Attend all required team meetings, training sessions and provide reports to fellow staff regarding program area as necessary

b. Offer support and assistance to peer staff members

c. Adhere to CCN Confidentiality Policy

d. Maintain a professional manner at all times

e. Must serve on hotline

f. May assume other duties as required and eligible by funder

g. Must maintain access to reliable transportation

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree in Criminology or related field/two years experience as a domestic violence legal advocate preferred.

Clearance Requirements:
a. Criminal Record Check

b. PA Child Abuse History Clearance

c. FBI Fingerprint

Hours:

40 hours or as required

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• On call

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: Multiple Locations