What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Advocate position at Vera House Inc?
Legal Advocate
Vera House, Inc. is a human service agency that provides unconditional care for individuals and families through comprehensive domestic and sexual violence prevention and intervention services. We believe in collectively serving members of the community and creating an environment of accountability for our services. Vera House mission is to prevent, respond to and partner to end domestic and sexual violence and other forms of abuse. We strive to provide our employees with flexible schedules, when possible, a level of autonomy to complete their work, and a culture of belonging. We strive to interrupt the norms that cause harm and perpetuate oppression.
POSITION SUMMARY:
In this position, the Legal Advocate will serve as a liaison and build positive working relationships with community members and partnering agencies, with special focus on Onondaga Family Court. The Legal Advocate will provide crisis intervention, local service delivery systems advocacy, and short-term counseling and support to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or other violent crimes, including emotional support to victims and their families, face to face and telephone crisis intervention at the request of the victims and referral sources. Job responsibilities include maintaining a caseload of 10-15 cases per month that involve complex legal matters, staffing Onondaga County Family Court, assisting clients with order of protection petitions and safety planning.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prompt response to crisis as well as thorough and consistent follow up with victims/clients and delivery systems.
- Maintain database and client notes consistent with Vera House practices.
- Respond to various 24-hour crisis line and on-call shifts for sexual assault callouts in Onondaga County.
- Assist victims/clients in identifying, understanding, and prioritizing problems and in obtaining information on available resources as well as assist in seeking help from intervention systems, including criminal justice, legal, medical counseling, and income programs at various community partner locations.
- Adhere to all Vera House policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
- Educate victims and family members about the dynamics and impact of sexual assault and physical trauma.
- Facilitate groups for those affected by domestic violence or sexual assault and provide group support.
- Ensure that all services are maintained in accordance with the Agency’s mission and goals.
- Manage difficult and/or emotional situations and respond promptly to client needs.
EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.
- Experience in a related field preferred.
- Thorough knowledge of domestic and sexual violence including elder abuse.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Extensive knowledge of the criminal and civil justice systems.
- Ability to develop a positive, compassionate rapport with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or other violent trauma.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work effectively in a crisis with diverse individuals
- Capability to provide trauma informed service and strong knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
- Displayed ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Strong training and facilitation skills.
- Adaptability to demanding situations and work well under pressure.
- Capability to work with and maintain positive working relationships with community partners.
- Ability to travel to local courts.
- Completion of a satisfactory background check.
SALARY RANGE
$19.00-$22.00 per hour/Non-Exempt
Vera House 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.
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