Client Advocate

Job Summary

We are seeking a compassionate and dynamic individual to join a team of passionate advocates serving the south Asian community and beyond. The new Client Advocate will support survivors of gender-based violence through culturally responsive advocacy, with responsibilities spanning the Helpline/Peer Counseling and Legal Advocacy programs. This role requires a trauma-informed and empathetic approach, strong collaboration across teams, and the ability to adapt support to each survivor’s unique circumstances and needs.

• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate live Helpline coverage for a minimum of 3 days per week and serve as the first point of contact for those needing Maitri services;
  Live Helpline coverage will be during a 3-hour slot between 9am and 3pm Monday-Friday
• Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, peer counseling, referrals and other resources during live Helpline coverage
• Follow up with Helpline callers as needed to provide case management services
• Provide Peer Counseling to clients based on their needs
• Assist with other mission-related client advocacy programs work as needed
• Comply with all confidentiality requirements, ethical and legal obligations of the program and agency
• Work closely with the Crisis Intervention Coordinator to ensure that callers’ needs are addressed satisfactorily

• Facilitate culturally and linguistically appropriate, non-judgmental, trauma informed client legal advocacy services
• Provide information and education about dynamics of domestic violence and legal options
• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate support with restraining orders, other legal paperwork, court accompaniment to clients during criminal, family and immigration court proceedings
• Facilitate weekly and/or as needed in-house attorney consultations with clients
• Provide peer counseling, advocacy, referrals and information to all clients in-person or over the phone when needed
• Comply with all confidentiality requirements, ethical and legal obligations of the program and agency
• Work closely with the Legal Advocacy Coordinator to ensure that legal needs of Maitri clients are met

• Ensure accurate maintenance of records, data, and timely reporting
• Compile and provide reports as needed for projects and grants
• Attend monthly staff and volunteer meetings to foster understanding and communication and growth as a Maitri team member
• Support all agency activities and events and team members as needed
• Ensure compliance with language access mandates imposed by city, state or national authorities
• Assist in general administrative work related to this work as needed
• Uphold and maintain Maitri's Leadership Principles Framework in all behaviors and interactions

• Strong commitment to Maitri's mission and values
• Fluency in at least one South Asian language in addition to English required
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with preferably 1 year of experience in DV advocacy, community based advocacy or social service work
• Specific helpline or ... experience will be a plus but not a must (on the job training will be provided regardless of experience)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience and/or ability to work effectively with people in crisis situations with patience, compassion, and flexibility
• Experience and/or ability to work respectfully with persons of diverse ethnic, religious, educational, language, sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds
• Basic proficiency in using Internet, MS Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule when needed and to complete tasks on hand
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; to manage multiple tasks and…