Position Description – Legal Advocate

About Central California Family Crisis Center, Inc. (CCFCC)

CCFCC is a culturally and linguistically competent multi-service nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to those affected by domestic and sexual violence, elder abuse, economic deprivation, and homelessness regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Our emphasis is on client-centered, trauma-informed care. We work with diverse partners to promote individual, family, and community transformation.

CCFCC is an equal-opportunity employer. The organization does not discriminate based on race color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex or gender (which includes gender identity), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (as defined under California law), veteran status, family care status, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law. CCFCC is a drug-free workplace.

POSITION: Legal Advocate

HOURLY WAGE: $15.50 - $16.50

REPORTS TO: Lead Legal Advocate

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Hourly, Non-Exempt

LOCATION: Porterville, CA

DEPARTMENT: Counseling Center/Admin Office

Language: English & Spanish

Supervises: Not Applicable

Dress Code: Business Casual – No Jeans or t-shirts except on Friday

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Legal Advocate provides a variety of direct services and administrative tasks to coordinate and deliver support services to and advocate for the intervention on behalf of victims of Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking. A significant aspect of the work involves public contact with adult and child victims of violent crime, law enforcement, partnering community groups/agencies, and the courts.

The advocate is responsible for fostering a spirit of communication within the agency, with law enforcement personnel, courthouse staff, prosecutors, judges, and community agencies that enhance the delivery of services and information to victims. All court documentation must be reviewed by Lead Legal Advocate to ensure errors are corrected before filing at Courthouse until training is completed or Lead Advocate states review is no longer needed.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• 40 hours/week. Days and hours of work are primarily Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• This position does require a flexible schedule based on client and agency needs. Must be willing to adjust work schedules for clients in crisis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES/KNOWLEDGE:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Assists victims of Domestic Violence (DV), and Human Trafficking (HT) and explains the legal process of obtaining protective orders. Defines the different types of protective orders and prepares forms to be presented to the courts. Assists clients with navigation through the legal system and accompanies them throughout the family and criminal court proceedings. Makes appropriate requests for court interpretation as needed.
• Gives appropriate referrals to agencies that assist in obtaining child custody, child support, and other matters that the client intake form and assessment indicate. Provides follow-up and assistance as needed.
• Provides referrals to internal and community organizations that proved support groups and counseling for victims and their families.
• Legal Advocates must also document services according to Family Crisis Center policies – both within client files and other data systems as directed.
• Answers agency phones and provides direct one-on-one crisis counseling to primary and secondary victims of DV and HT.
• Conducts regular English/Spanish support groups and public speaking presentations to the general public.
• Attends mandatory agency meetings and site-specific meetings and required training.
• Other duties as necessary and assigned. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform effectively in this position, the incumbent must have/be:

• Associate of Arts Degree in Social Work, Health and Human Services, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or related field. A combination of work experience and education may be considered a substitute for minimum educational requirements.
• Certification in the 40-hour Domestic Violence counselor/advocate training as required by the State of California.
• Certification in the 40-hour Human Trafficking advocate training as required by the State of California.
• Completion of 1-hour Sexual Assault Prevention Training for non-supervisory staff, every 2 years.
• Bilingual-Biliterate English/Spanish required. Ability to speak, read, write, comprehend and translate English & Spanish.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in both English and Spanish. Ability to plan and facilitate support groups and public speaking engagements.
• Computer knowledge and skills required (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Must possess a valid CA driver’s license, proof of personal auto liability insurance & acceptance by our insurance carrier.
• Must receive clearance from the Department of Justice Criminal and Federal Bureau of Investigation record Offender Information database.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Ability to operate tools and equipment listed.
• Have not been a resident of FCC Emergency Shelter or any other DV or HT shelter, nor have been in a DV or HT relationship or recovering from sexual assault for at least two years.

COVID-19 Vaccination & Testing:

Please be aware that the Family Crisis Center requires all employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or complete weekly testing. This position will require the successful candidate to show proof of vaccination or set a routine testing plan with HR.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Motor vehicle, multi-line telephone, cell phone, personal computer, internet, email, copy and fax machines.

SPECIAL ADA REQUIREMENTS

CCFCC is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate concerning applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations when necessary.

• For the ADA, the “Responsibilities” and Qualifications” are essential job functions.
• Bending, lifting, and carrying up to 40 pounds (files/boxes) required; lifting from the floor or inside a car, inside a truck, or from the trunk.
• Both standing and sitting are required for extended periods
• Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate the equipment.
• Hearing in the normal audio range with or without correction. Must have the ability to receive and convey detailed and/or important instructions or ideas accurately.
• Manual dexterity required and able to use wrists, hands, and/or fingers in a repetitive motion. Prepare and/or review documents and communications on the computer, on paper, and in files.
• Must move up and down stairs in the facilities

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a normal office setting, as well as throughout the community. The noise level in the work environment is typical of a busy office, ranging from quiet to moderately noisy.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements, which may change from time to time based on business needs. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship to the Company may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

This job description is approved by all levels of management:

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.50 - $16.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Travel requirement:

• Travel

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Porterville, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• This position requires clearance from the Department of Justice Criminal and Federal Bureau of Investigation record Offender Information database. Can you comply with this requirement?
• This position requires, the ability to pass a pre-employment drug test. Can you comply with this requirement?
• What motivated you to apply for this position and what makes you a great fit for it?
• Please tell us about your experience with completing and filing Domestic Violence Restraining Order paperwork.

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• English & Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's Licence (Required)
• 40hr Domestic Violence Counselor Certification (Preferred)
• 40hr Human Trafficking Advocate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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