Legal Advocate

HUMAN OPTIONS; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

HUMAN OPTIONS in California is seeking a Legal Advocate to conduct initial assessments with domestic violence clients, identify legal issues, educate about options, and provide resources and direct services to help clients achieve their legal goals.

Under supervision of the Legal Advocacy Program Supervisor (LAPS), you will travel throughout Orange County, create case plans, coordinate with law enforcement, courts, and service providers, attend court with clients, and participate in MDT/CMT

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, criminal justice, psychology, related field, or commensurate work experience preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred (written and oral).
• Have reliable transportation or valid CA Class C driver’s license and auto insurance required.
• One year of experience in a domestic violence program preferred or experience working with at-risk clients.
• Knowledge and experience of Family Law, Immigration Law, and the legal system preferred.
• Paralegal certificate or coursework a plus.
• Understanding of domestic violence issues from victim advocacy perspective.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel and working knowledge of computer database program entry and report generation.
• Complete the 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocate certification training post-hire.

Responsibilities

• Assess the level and history of violence and aid in the development of a safety plan for victims and their children.
• Create a client centered legal advocacy case plan and continue providing services, information, and referrals to its completion (to the extent possible).
• Provide information to victims of domestic violence about the laws, resources, and services available.
• Develop and maintain relationships with and knowledge of Orange County’s domestic violence service providers and resources and give appropriate referrals to clients.
• Learn and maintain information on domestic violence laws regarding individual rights and protections under California State Law i.e. protective orders, restraining orders etc.
• Coordinate victim support services provided by law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts. Coordinate legal clinics where appropriate.
• Attend court with clients as appropriate to provide emotional support.
• Present cases in weekly Case Management Team (CMT) and/or Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, as appropriate.
• Regular travel and mobile advocacy services throughout Orange County.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Skills

Client advocacy

Bilingual English/Spanish

Empathy and interpersonal skills

Case management

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, criminal justice, psychology, related field

Paralegal certificate or coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Database entry and reporting

Job description

Description

Summary

Under the supervision of the Legal Advocacy Program Supervisor (LAPS), the Legal Advocate conducts initial assessments with domestic violence clients to identify existing or anticipated legal issues, and provides education, referrals, direct services, and resources to support clients. This position educates clients on their legal options available and works with the client to achieve the legal goals that the advocate and client have created.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess the level and history of violence experienced and aid in the development of a safety plan for victims and their children.
• Create a client centered legal advocacy case plan and continue providing services, information, and referrals to its completion (to the extent possible).
• Provide information to victims of domestic violence about the laws, resources, and services available.
• Develop and maintain relationships with and knowledge of Orange County’s domestic violence service providers and resources and give appropriate referrals to clients.
• Learn and maintain information on domestic violence laws regarding individual rights and protections under California State Law i.e. protective orders, restraining orders etc.
• Coordinate victim support services provided by law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts. Coordinate legal clinics where appropriate.
• Attend court with clients as appropriate to provide emotional support.
• Present cases in weekly Case Management Team (CMT) and/or Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, as appropriate.
• Regular travel and mobile advocacy services throughout Orange County.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, criminal justice, psychology, related field, or commensurate work experience preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred (written and oral).
• Have reliable transportation or valid CA Class C driver’s license and auto insurance required.
• One year of experience in a domestic violence program preferred or experience working with at-risk clients.
• Knowledge and experience of Family Law, Immigration Law, and the legal system preferred.
• Paralegal Certificate or coursework a plus.
• Understanding of domestic violence issues from victim advocacy perspective.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel and working knowledge of computer database program entry and report generation.
• Complete the 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocate certification training post-hire.

Prospective employees must pass a background screening to the satisfaction of the agency prior to placement. Since background screenings take time to complete, applicants are encouraged to apply early.


We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We strongly encourage survivors of domestic violence to apply. We strongly encourage applicants of diverse race, color, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law to apply. All employment is decided based on qualifications, experience, merit, and business needs.