Gender Violence, Community Legal Advocate

Legal Advocate

The Legal Advocate works within Gender-Based Violence Services at YWCA and provides culturally relevant services that are designed to meet the needs of survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). As a Legal Advocate, you will provide legal advocacy to adult survivors which may include support with protection orders, family law, CPS, housing navigation, safety planning, life skills, and employment.

You will use a model of best practice trauma-informed advocacy with a strength-based approach.

Note:

This is an onsite position, with limited opportunities for remote work

Expectations of your role:

• Support clients in navigating the civil and legal systems including assistance with filing protection orders, breaking leases, relocations, CPS, and interactions with law enforcement
• Personally accompany clients to court and/or clerk's office as needed
• Responds to referrals and calls within the required time frame
• Conducts intakes with new clients, including screening for eligibility and determining legal needs
• Provide legal and crisis intervention advocacy
• Collects and completed reporting and quarterly narratives using data and statistical information
• Develops and maintains relations with community partners and attends community meetings.
• Facilitate and create presentations that are relevant to associated partners and offer services
• Engage in community networking activities to both increase access to services for survivors furthest away from opportunity specifically Black and African American survivors.
• Maintain 20 hours of continuing education hours about advocacy-based Domestic Violence
• Actively engages in agency-wide Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) and strives for racially equitable outcomes; takes responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming community by making room for populations who routinely encounter system oppression
• Development and implementing legal information sessions.

Must have's to be successful:

• Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related field with at least one (1) year of experience working with survivors of gender-based violence; OR two (2) to three (3) years of experience (professional or lived expertise) working with survivors of gender-based violence
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal systems, including protection orders, family law, and related processes
• Strong advocacy skills and ability to navigate multiple systems (e.g., legal, housing, public benefits, CPS)
• Knowledge of community resources in King County and surrounding areas
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis situations while maintaining professional boundaries
• Experience working with communities of color, with a demonstrated commitment to anti-racist practice and an understanding of how racism, culture, and systemic inequities—including the intersection of racism and poverty—impact survivors' experiences
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office and data entry systems
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to travel throughout King County; valid driver's license and access to a vehicle required

Hours, Rate, and Benefits

• Hourly Pay Rate:
  Starting at $28.00
• Full time 40 hours per week
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification:
  Non-exempt
• Excellent benefits package including medical insurance, retirement plan, plus generous vacation, holiday and sick leave plans.

• At the time of hire, employees may choose to voluntarily enroll in the Fidelity 403b Plan. Typically, after two years of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA Retirement Fund.

Physical Requirements

• All positions at YWCA of Seattle | King | Snohomish are exposed to clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms including but not limited to: domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, financial hardship, etc. As a result, staff are at risk of secondary…