Job Title: Legal Advocate

Position type: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Program Manager

Position Summary:

The Legal/Outreach Services Advocate will provide crisis intervention, advocacy, support and resources to clients in shelter and in the community seeking legal advocacy and assistance with court orders and other legal services, which includes interpretation and translation for individuals with limited English proficiency. Their primary focus is the Hispanic/Latine population, but also includes those living with disabilities, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or the elderly. 

Essential Functions 

• Provide legal advocacy by assisting clients, especially marginalized and underserved clients who are Hispanic, in obtaining Temporary Protective 

• Order (TPOs) and at the final hearing.

• Assist victims of domestic violence in gathering necessary information for TPO hearings when necessary.

• Provide follow-up services to victims of both during the ExParte process and after obtaining an extension order.

• Act as a liaison between Hospitality House for Women and the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, Judges and Sheriff’s Office in developing ongoing procedures and training programs that work to protect domestic violence victim’s rights and access to the judicial system in Floyd County.

• Develop materials and brochures that inform victims of domestic violence of their rights under the Family Violence Act.

• Refer victims to other resources such as Georgia Legal Aid and Pro Bono Attorneys to assist with issues of divorce, child custody or other matters not related to intimate partner violence.

• Escort victims on an as needed basis to court procedures involving domestic violence issues to include but not limited to:  ex-parte hearings for TPOs, final TPO hearings, and at the request of the victim to criminal proceedings, grand jury appearances, bond hearings, and magistrate court.

• Assist the DA’s Office in gathering victim information on specified domestic violence cases.

• Conduct in-service training for local law enforcement, social service agencies, task force members and volunteers on legal changes and information concerning victims of domestic violence.

• Assist victims in filing victim compensation, where eligible.

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings and workshops

Administrative Duties

• Complete all paperwork and data entry within 48 hours.

• Adhere to agency policies and work rules including strict adherence to confidentiality policies and code of ethics.

• Complete additional training and continuing education as assigned at a minimum of 20 hrs. annually after the first year.

• Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification. 

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Social Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field

• Bilingual, English and Spanish proficient

• Effective communication, both oral and written

• Ability to handle crisis situations in a calm, deliberate manner

• Familiarity with the judicial process

• Knowledge of legal issues regarding domestic violence

• Ability to work with diverse groups of people

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work both independently and as a team

• Must be willing to submit to and successfully pass a criminal background check