Legal Advocate - $18+ - Part Time (20 Hours)

Do you feel strongly about helping and empowering people?

Are you at a point in your life where you're hoping to learn new skills?

Does working with volunteers sound rewarding?

DVSSP is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging. If you are excited about a role but your experience doesn’t match every requirement in the job description, we encourage you to still consider applying. You may be a great fit and just the candidate we are looking for!

The Benefits of being a Legal Advocate:

• Flexible Scheduling (this position is for two 8 hour shifts and one 4 hour shift per week)
• Paid Training
• Competitive Pay
• Annual education opportunities 
• Internal Advancement 
• All employment levels enjoy a Comprehensive Benefit package including PTO, Sick Time, Agency Vehicle use for work related travel, and access to an on-site licensed therapist at no charge! 
• Full time employment and certain levels of part time will enjoy the following additional benefits: Pension, Life Insurance, Extended Paid Leave, Medical/Dental/Vision, and eligibility for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program!

Like what you hear? Then let's get into more detail!

Job Duties 

• As directed by Director of Legal Advocacy, if working in Legal Advocacy Office, counsel clients in legal options and expectations; support and assist clients in all aspects of the criminal and civil justice systems, accompanying them to hearings as requested.  Accompany clients to law enforcement agencies and advocate on their behalf as requested.  Assist clients in filing Protection From Abuse petitions, accompanying them to Southwestern PA Legal Services and advocating for them at hearings.   
• Keep up to date with prevailing laws, statutes, and local procedures pertaining to domestic violence. 
• Develop/maintain good working relationships with and assist in trainings to legal/law enforcement systems.   
• Participate in community outreach and systems advocacy for Lethality Assessment Program.   

• Participate in advocacy activities on behalf of domestic violence victims on a local, state, and national level to assure increased levels of awareness of domestic violence issues by policy makers and the public.  
• As relevant to worksite, using an educative/supportive/trauma-informed model: provide direct services including:  telephone hotline counseling, safety planning, information and referrals, accompaniment, individual advocacy, individual empowerment counseling, legal advocacy, transportation, support groups, and victim compensation assistance. 
• As relevant to worksite, provide intakes and transportation as needed, arrange hotline coverage as warranted.  
• While providing hotline counseling, offer education and information about other community options, particularly if DVSSP has no available beds. 
• Supervise and train worksite volunteers as directed. 

• Report child abuse as mandated by law, reinforcing to volunteers that they are mandated reporters and required to report child abuse as directed by the requisite process in place. 
• Maintain detailed and timely electronic counseling records.  Prepare and submit all statistics and reports as instructed.   
• Maintain facility, staff, volunteer, and client confidentiality at all times. 
• In the safe house, encourage and supervise the performance of housekeeping chores by clients.  Perform general housekeeping duties when residents are unavailable or away, always prioritizing direct services to clients.  If/when clients are not available, ensure that all trash/recyclables are removed for pick-up, wash and dry bedding upon exits, and assure clean space as clients exit.   
• Complete trainings as directed by supervisor. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Core Competencies 

• Supports and speaks in positive terms about DVSSP mission and others in the organization. 
• Takes initiative to do more than is required or expected in the job. 

• Demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for learning new skills and assuming new/changing roles. 
• Takes full accountability for meeting commitments and achieving expected results. 
• Accepts challenges and uses creative approaches to assess and solve problems. 
• Exhibits a primary prevention mindset as a means toward ending domestic violence. 
• Supports and role models the core values of trauma informed care. 
  

Required Skills, Abilities, Education, Qualifications, and Experience

• Translatable work experience
• Must possess valid PA driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle. 
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to provide on-going supervision, training, and professional development
• Collaborate with peers and other departments within the agency
• Working knowledge of community resources
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficient computer, Internet, and email skills

Preferred Skills, Abilities, Education, Qualifications, and Experience

• Degree in Related Field or equivalent work experience 

Clearances, Licenses, and Physical Requirements

• Final determination of suitability for employment will be contingent upon a successful:

• • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint processed in accordance with Public Law 92-522 and the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23, Pa C.S. Chapter 63), Federal Criminal History Background Check.
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
  • PA State Police Report of Criminal History Clearance.
  • Reference Check

• Possess current PA driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle

DVSSP is a Equal Opportunity Employer