Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE:

Family Abuse Center seeks to hire one part-time Legal Advocate. The Legal Advocate serves as a liaison between FAC and the criminal justice system, assists clients through the civil and criminal court processes, and develops working relationships with agencies that provide assistance to victims of domestic violence. Successful applicants will have experience working in the field of domestic and/or sexual violence or the legal field.  

The regular workday for this position will be within Family Abuse Center business hours, M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for special client activities and certain outreach activities. Work hours cannot exceed 29 hours. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the education, experience, skill/ability, and licenses/credentials required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, pre-law, or social services, or the equivalent combination of skills and experience.  

Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience in the field of domestic and/or sexual violence preferred 
• Knowledge of criminal and civil proceedings 
• Experience working with law enforcement personnel and agencies 
• Experience working with diverse people and groups  
• Experience working for systemic changes in the community 
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working as both a leader and a team member 

Skills/Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.  
• Strong organizational skills.  
• Demonstrates experience and ease working with a diverse population of clients.  
• Demonstrates effectiveness as a member of a team as well as the ability to work independently. 
• Demonstrates crisis intervention skills.  
• Ability to maintain personal balance while accomplishing multiple tasks that require a variety of skills. 
• Work in basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.  

License/Credentials:

• Valid Texas Driver's License and clear driving record. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Providing direct services to victims of family violence including, but not limited to, court accompaniment, assistance with filing for protective orders and crime victim’s compensation, crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency legal advocacy, basic case management, and information and referral regarding other legal resources. Assist with coordination of services when necessary.  
• Develop working relationships with law enforcement personnel, community agencies, faith-based organizations, district attorney offices, judges, medical professionals, volunteers, and other entities that work with or encounter victims of family violence. 
• Work with rural agencies to help identify victims of family violence and provide or refer them to needed services. 
• Assist with crisis line coverage as needed. 
• Write routine reports, correspondence and appropriate case notes.  
• Document all client services as well as community outreach work. 
• Maintain case files of each client session and enter client statistical data in the electronic database. 
• Participate in and serve as an admin to the Heart of Texas Coordinated Community Response (HOTCCR) and the Domestic Violence High-Risk Team (DVHRT). 
• Attend FAC staff meetings. 
• Lead ongoing assessment efforts. 
• Coordinate with other FAC staff as needed. 
• Believe in and act in accordance with the agency’s mission statement and goals. 
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

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