Legal Advocate

Job Title: Legal Advocate

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Community Support Manager

Job Purpose: Provide support and resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence through a variety of legal processes.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
• Provide all services utilizing a trauma-informed, empowerment model philosophy and in accordance with MOCADSV Service Standards.
• Reviews domestic/sexual violence reports and establishes contact with the victim(s) to check on their status/safety. Educates the victim on the criminal process and the role of the legal advocate.
• Collaborate with individuals within the criminal justice system to promote services that are responsive to the needs of domestic/sexual violence victims and hold offenders accountable.
• Acts as the liaison between the victim(s), prosecutors, and courts.
• Assists clients seeking Orders for Protection and attends court hearings as needed.
• Performs crisis intervention advocacy and social service referrals when necessary.
• Accompanies law enforcement with follow-up calls on Lethality Assessment Program survivors.
• Provide information regarding options, benefits, and risks of legal remedies.
• Provide safety planning, crisis intervention, information/referral, and other advocacy services, as needed.
• Provide personal and systems advocacy with hospital/medical, law enforcement, and/or the court system.
• Provide advocacy services in collaboration with SJPD Family Crimes Division Detectives. Services may include, but are not limited to, providing support during the interview, and keeping victims apprised regarding the status of their case.
• Collaborate with individuals within law enforcement and the criminal justice system to promote services that are responsive to the needs of domestic/sexual violence survivors and hold offenders accountable.
• Serve as the Lethality Assessment Program Coordinator and communicate with partners on a regular basis.
• Make appropriate referrals for legal representation and advice.
• Provide information and assistance related to Crime Victim’s Compensation.

• Complete requirements to provide hospital advocacy services at Mosaic’s Emergency Department and provide services, as assigned.
• Document all services provided and enter information into database within three days.
• Maintain statistics and complete reports as assigned.
• Participate in team meetings, SART (Sexual Assault Response Team), Safe at Home, DV Council, professional development activities and trainings as assigned.
• Be a part of SART (Sexual Assault Response Team).
• On-Call duties required.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in human services field or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Experience working in human services field preferred.
• Knowledge regarding the nature and dynamics of domestic and sexual violence preferred.
• Working knowledge of court system and current Missouri & Federal law pertaining to domestic/sexual violence preferred.
• Computer skills and ability to use an agency electronic record program.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to relate well to diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle. Insurance must meet agency's requirements. 
• Must be able to pass State Child Abuse/Neglect screening & Criminal Background Check.

Working Conditions
• Forty (40) hour workweek with flexibility regarding days/times to meet client needs and/or deadlines.
• Services will typically be provided at the Buchanan County Courthouse or office location, but services may be provided in other locations, if needed.
• Employee may need to provide transportation services to clients on occasion.
• On-call responsibilities are required, which include responding to emergency room afterhours and on weekends, as assigned.

Physical Requirements
• Standing or sitting for long periods, bending, stooping and occasional lifting.
• Repetitive hand motion (such as typing)
• Ability, on a consistent basis, to perform activities requiring cooperation, instruction, persuasion or speaking with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and on the telephone with consumers.

Personal Characteristics
The successful individual will demonstrate the following:
• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and professional boundaries and ensure own behavior is consistent with professional ethical standards.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the organizations goals of empowering women and eliminating racism.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of consumers.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the consumer and the organization.
• Organization: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals and track details/data/information/activities.
• Technological Aptitude: Understand software applications and maintain skills necessary to effectively perform key responsibilities through use of company utilized programs.
 

***YWCA St. Joseph provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.***