Civil Justice Advocate

Civil Justice Advocate

Safe Voices Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking Resource Center is seeking a dynamic, creative, and engaging individual to fill the full-time role of Androscoggin County Civil Justice Advocate. This position is based in Lewiston.

The Civil Justice Advocate is responsible for providing advocacy and support services to victims of domestic abuse and violence in Androscoggin County by providing comprehensive safety planning, support, and general advocacy services to clients both in person and over the phone. Additionally, the Advocate will support clients engaged in the civil, Protection from Abuse order system in the Lewiston district court.

Safe Voices is an equal opportunity employer, committed to growing a diverse staff. We strongly encourage application from candidates of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders/gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, and those with lived experience of domestic violence or sexual exploitation or trafficking. In addition, candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, ancestry or national origin, sex, immigration status, age, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

• Provide trauma-informed advocacy to victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence.

• Work with individuals on our helpline and in person.

• Develop positive and productive relationships with persons served.

• Assist in the creation of a personalized client safety plan.

• Coordinate services and avoid duplication by working directly with other service providers and empowering individuals to have control over their options.

• Demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of, the cultural and socioeconomic status of persons served.

• Demonstrate knowledge of issues faced by those who experience domestic abuse and violence.

• Assist in identifying resources that may be of help to persons requesting services and makes referrals to resources necessary to achieve safety and independence from the abusive situation or environment.

• Work collaboratively with all Safe Voices employees.

• Responsible for data collection, file maintenance and monthly reports.

• Utilize Danger Assessment and ODARA recidivism assessment tools to identify indicators of lethality and high-risk domestic violence cases.

• Make referral for High-Risk Response Team (HRRT) and Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Team meetings as appropriate.

• Attend High Risk Response Meetings, Multidisciplinary Team Meetings, and Coordinated Community Response meetings as appropriate.

• Notify supervisor if there is a conflict when working with an individual person or party.

• Accompany victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence to court. Provide emotional support and basic information about the courts and civil protection from abuse order process to clients during all applicable civil court proceedings.

• Attend all assigned courtroom proceedings during Protection from Abuse Order hearings.

• Obtain copy of cases to be presented prior to court appearances to ensure all individuals seeking assistance are appropriately and accurately notified of Safe Voices services.

• Work cohesively and respectfully with court officers, Judges and appointed legal representatives.

• Whenever possible, meet with persons served, prior to court date, to prepare for court appearance.

• Use shuttle diplomacy, in an effort to support in the consent agreement process for PFA matters.

• Prepare court paperwork and send appropriate referrals to legal aid partners and services providers prior to hearings.

• Cover court in the absence of other advocates as assigned.

• Inform victims of rights under the Violence Against Women Act.

• Immediately notify supervisor or Executive Director when served with a subpoena to ensure the best course of action in each specific case and circumstance.

• Document all client interactions in accordance to Safe Voices data and documentation guidelines.

• Provide legal advocacy, never legal advice or representation.

• Pass State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) check

• Pass Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) check

• Pass Department of Motor Vehicle check

• Hold valid Maine driver's license, reliable transportation and willingness to travel on occasion

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent related work experience

• Experience and proficiency in presentation tools such as PowerPoint, Prezi, Canva, and Menti

• Effective facilitation and audience engagement…