Vacancy expired!
Supervised by: Program Services Manager
Salary: Non-Exempt, Part-time 16 hours a week
Schedule: Sunday and Monday 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Position Summary: The Legal Advocate position is a part-time position that assists with screening, crisis intervention and safety planning for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking (DV/SA/ST) and the coordination of community resources. Provides court advocacy by assisting program participants in the civil protective order process through assistance with the completion of documents and court accompaniment for civil hearings. This position requires an ability to work closely and represent AWAIC professionally with individuals in the Alaska Court System including Magistrates, Judges, Attorneys, and Court Staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Justice, Education, Public health or related field from an accredited institution or four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy in the field of domestic violence, crisis intervention, trauma, criminal justice, sexual assault, stalking of which six (6) months experience in victim advocacy or legal advocacy (paralegal, internship at law office or experience working at court).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
AWAIC staff is required to have reliable transportation, a valid Alaska driver’s license, the ability to lift up to 40 lbs., bend, kneel, climb ladders. Staff will participate in a biennial background check by the approved authority. All history of convictions will be reviewed by the Human Resources Director and Executive Director which may exclude an individual from employment.
Must possess a valid State of Alaska Driver’s License
Preferences:
Excellent written and verbal communications required, including basic computer skills utilizing AWAIC systems and programs. Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and be flexible in a fast paced teamwork environment with integrity, compassion, and the skill to handle sensitive issues in a confidential manner.
Essential Functions include and are not limited to:
Program Implementation
o Adhere to all AWAIC Policies and Procedures and remain current on updates and changes.
o Implement policies, protocols, and services designed to provide legal advocacy and support services to victims of DV/SA/ST including the development of creative strategies for detecting, intervening, and preventing domestic violence and child victimization.
o Maintain accurate participant records including statistical information and summary of contacts according to AWAIC Confidentiality Policy, AWAIC Program Policies and Procedures, and grant requirements.
o Complete all statistical tracking within established timelines.
Direct Services
o Facilitate the provision of consistent, exceptional service to all AWAIC program participants.
o Provide crisis intervention, individual support, information, and internal/external service referrals victims of DV/SA/ST.
o Increase victims' safety including individual safety planning.
o Educate program participants about the civil and criminal justice system including support/coordination with the Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Municipality of Anchorage Department of Law (MOA/LAW), and the Alaska Court System, Violent Crimes Compensation Board (VCCB) and other related agencies as needed.
o Provide court advocacy by assisting program participants in the civil protective order process through assistance with the completion of documents and court accompaniment for both civil and criminal hearings.
o Advocate on behalf of program participants with community agencies to establish rapport and cooperation.
o Develop and maintain a trusting, empowering relationship with the program participant that supports the program participant’s goal plan.
o Be proactive and effective in de-escalation of crisis situations.
Training/Outreach
o Conduct presentations and training to community organizations regarding AWAIC services, DV/SA/ST as directed.
o In coordination with the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, participate in the training of Legal Advocates across the state and offer technical assistance via phone and e-mail.
o Represent AWAIC at various community meetings as directed.
o Attend and contribute in all required staff meetings and actively participate in the training of new staff, volunteers, and interns. Provide supervisory support to volunteers and interns as directed by supervisor.
Other
o Remain current on all Federal and Alaska State laws affecting victims of DV/SA/ST, including but not limited to: confidentiality, child custody, divorce, Immigration/Naturalization, civil protective orders, and basic criminal procedure.
o Remain updated on current information in the field of DV/SA/ST through research, workshops and training opportunities.
o Acknowledge the diversity reflected in the AWAIC program population and demonstrate a commitment to cultural competency.
o Adhere to AWAIC model of ethical communication to include addressing conflict and establishing boundaries.
o Act as the liaison between the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Legal Advocacy Project (LAP) and AWAIC programs and participants to include training AWAIC staff on referral process and protocols and acting as the single point of contact for the LAP.
o Consistent and dependable attendance.
o Other duties may be assigned as needed.
Vacancy expired!