Legal Advocate Assistant

Job Title: Legal Assistant

Department: Clinical and Supportive Services

Reports To: VP of Clinical and Supportive Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary of Position:

• Review, disseminate, and respond to Legal Services referral needs appropriately
• Assist clients with understanding their legal options and rights
• Advocate for victims of crime who are navigating the legal process, to include accompanying victims to court hearings and/or arranging for transportation and appropriate accompaniment and support

Primary Responsibilities:

• Meet with clients to assess their situation and needs
• Conduct intakes and document case activities/services provided
• Refer clients needing legal representation to appropriate legal services providers
• Assist clients with filing police reports and filing charges
• Assist clients with filing protective order applications and violations of protective orders
• Safety plan with clients and tailor to their specific living situation
• Assist clients with filing for Attorney General’s Crime Victim Compensation
• Assist with registering for VINE, Address Confidentiality Program, and other applicable programs
• Assist with obtaining legal documents, police reports, criminal history reports, and other documents necessary for clients’ legal cases
• Assist clients with understanding information and documentation provided to them, while maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries regarding the dispensing of legal advice
• Maintain updated client and case information
• Complete reporting necessary for grants and program requirements
• Provide support and training to agency staff related to domestic violence and the legal rights, options, and processes involving domestic violence victims
• Work cooperatively with law enforcement, other social service agencies, court staff, and other professionals to ensure the best outcomes and communication for victims being served
• Refer clients needing legal representation to appropriate legal services providers including, but not limited to, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA), Legal Aid for Survivors of Sexual Assault (LASSA) Community Justice Program, Bexar County Family Justice Center, Family Violence Prevention Services, Catholic Charities, Texas Advocacy Project (Pro-Se Assistance) Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center (Mediation services,)

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Participate actively as a member of a team with all SAMMinistries Program staff
• Participate in agency staff meetings and town hall meetings
• Support other programs by volunteering when able to do so
• Build and maintain healthy partnerships with outside agencies

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively as a team member, providing support and constructive feedback in interpersonal interactions
• Strong writing skills and knowledge of proper documentation techniques
• Knowledge of the dynamics of family violence and sensitivity to the needs of adult and child victims of family violence
• Sensitivity to various cultures, ethnic groups, social groups, different languages, attitudes, and customs
• Work with clients with a trauma informed approach
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Physical demands inherent in this position include but are not limited to sitting for long periods of time, use of computer equipment, operation of a motor vehicle, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stretching and lifting up to 20 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment for this position is primarily indoors, with occasional outdoor activity required for supervision/participation in community events. Operating an agency motor vehicle may also be required on occasion. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires some weekend and evening hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.