Outreach/Legal Advocate
*2 Positions available. 1 full-time position in Salem and a part-time position in Vienna
Supervisor: Outreach Director
DOL Status: Non-exempt
Benefit Status: Full-time
Job Summary:
The outreach/legal advocate is responsible for listed tasks in accordance with the terms of the contracts between organizations and agencies and Russell House.
Reporting Responsibilities:
The outreach/legal advocate reports to the Outreach Director.Evaluation:
Following adopted policies of Russell House, the outreach/legal advocate is evaluated by the Outreach Director.
Probationary Employment:
Employment is subject to probationary employment policies of the Russell House Board of Directors.
Level of Authority:
The outreach/legal advocate has the authority to complete tasks as outlined in the job description. Any activities outside the job description should be approved by the Outreach Director.Interaction with Other Departments:
The outreach/legal advocate will work with other departments and/or programs as needed but will work closely with the Outreach Director.Duties and Responsibilities:
- Completes all training as required by the Missouri Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) and PCFCS/Russell House to maintain dual eligibility status as a provider of DV and SV services.
- Ensures services provided by PCFCS/Russell House meets MCADSV Service Standards.
- Ensures services provided by PCFCS/Russell House meets the Department of Social Services Code of Professional Ethics for Sub-recipient Agencies and Individual Service Providers.
- Ensures services provided by PCFCS/Russell House meets the Department of Public Safety Code of Professional Ethics for Victim Service Providers Sub-grantees.
- Provides education and advocacy services – not legal advice – to victims of domestic and sexual violence seeking assistance in the civil and/or criminal justice systems.
- Participates in efforts to develop a coordinated community response to DV/SV.
- Establishes and maintains a collaborative and cooperative relationship with court personnel, law enforcement, prosecutor offices, and community organizations.
- Flexibility to assure emergency room accompaniment, hospital advocacy and other services for DV/SV survivors and participating in the on-call schedule
- Accompanies victims to court.
- Assists victims when filing petitions for orders of protection.
- At the victim’s request, provides court and legal advocacy with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, probation and parole personnel, juvenile authorities and the victim’s attorney.
- Provides information and referrals to other agencies and resources.
- Provides trainings about legal issues, changes and developments in court procedures, and aspects of civil and criminal justice system involving victims of domestic and/or sexual violence.
- Tracks and reports MCADSV and grant required statistics.
- Attends staff meetings and trainings.
- Create and implement systems to disseminate information to communities.
- Visit businesses, religious communities, and local organizations to present info about programs and services
- Develop and maintain relationships with geographical and socioeconomic communities.
- Ensures that precautions are taken to provide safety, security and confidentiality for clients.
- Provides shift coverage as needed, including holiday and weekend coverage.
- Supports actions of the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.
- Other duties when requested (as needed).
Skills & Experience
- Sensitivity to and acceptance of individual needs and differences.
- Bachelor’s degree in related field OR three years of related experience.
- Familiarity with the civil and criminal justice systems.
- Knowledge of the Adult Abuse Act and the ability to educate those seeking orders of protection.
- Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner, particularly in the handling of confidential information and as a representative of PCFCS/Russell House in the community.
- Ability and willingness to work cooperatively as a member of a team to accomplish team goals.
- Individual must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be computer literate, out-going, creative and resourceful, a self-starter, and professional.