Bilingual Client Advocate

Job Title
:

Bilingual Client Advocate
Status
:

Full-Time Non-Exempt Staff

Supervisor
:

Director of Advocacy Services

The Client Advocate serves as a connection between victim-survivors of family violence and sources of community support by providing in-depth and ongoing advocacy and social-services referrals.

Emphasis is on serving clients who are not able to access shelter-based support systems.

• Initiate and continue ongoing contact with clients—to ensure accuracy of contact information for clients and to determine physical, financial, and emotional needs
• Answer intake calls, appropriately screen applicants for services, provide basic but accurate information regarding the legal options available to callers
• Meet with applicants for services, gather necessary documentation from applicants, and prepare files for attorney review
• Provide crisis counseling, information, and referrals
• Assist clients in securing basic human needs such as shelter and emergency food
• Aid the client in actualizing a self-sufficiency plan, including assistance enrolling in job training or job search programs
• Manage Victim Support Group for victim-survivors (if assigned)
• Accompany clients to court when requested
• Provide community outreach on an as-needed basis
• Assist in the maintenance of a computerized client database
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in family violence considered;
  Masters preferred
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required
• Previous experience in legal setting, especially legal services to low-income clientele, preferred
• Knowledge of domestic violence
• Crisis counseling experience
• Sensitivity to victims of domestic violence
• Appreciation of diversity and a sensitivity to people of varying lifestyles, ethnicity and religious groups
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency with PCs, including word processing and other general office machines
• Dependable transportation