Benefits:

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Position Overview:

The Legal Advocate at Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia serves as a liaison between victims of domestic and dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault and the civil and criminal justice systems. The advocate provides emotional support to victims while guiding them through the legal system, specifically to assist victims in obtaining temporary protective orders. This position is also responsible for providing support and advocacy to victims seeking non-residential services.

The Legal Advocate job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Assists clients with legal preparation of Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs) either by phone or in person

Travels, when necessary to meet client and/or prepare TPO for client

Coordinates scheduling initial hearings with Superior Court Judges/Clerks

Accompanies client to ex parte hearings as support and to guide clients through initial hearing

Accompanies client to final TPO hearings, bond hearings, and other court dates as necessary to offer continued support for client

Files paperwork in the Superior Court Clerk’s office and ensure all legal documents necessary to validate the TPO are in place

Coordinates successful transition of client representation for final hearings

Assist client with paperwork for final hearing if client is representing self

Acts as liaison between client and criminal justice system

Refers clients to other social service or mental health agencies as necessary

Maintains working relationship with judges in order to maintain a reputation of efficiency, professionalism and reliability for CL&SH

Provides services and support to victims seeking non-residential services through the agency, even when their needs cannot be met with legal advocacy.

Answers the 24-hour crisis hotline and provides callers with support, and referrals, and facilitates intake into one of CL&SH’s other programs, if appropriate.

Maintains accurate client files and documentation of files in the organization database

Maintain additional documentation as necessary to complete grant reports

Maintains relationship with client in order to manage appropriate aftercare, offer encouragement and support, as well as track client outcomes

Assists in building community relationships and awareness of domestic violence issues through participation in community fairs and speaking engagements

Non-essential Job Functions:

Assists in office coverage as necessary

Assists in shelter coverage as necessary

Requirements of Position Applicants:

Possess a four year degree in a human services field (psychology, sociology, criminal justice, etc.) OR have at least 3 of experience providing direct services to adults or children.

Reliable transportation

Some legal knowledge preferred

Possess an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence OR a willingness to learn more about the issue

Possess an understanding of sexual assault and other sexually-based offenses OR a willingness to learn about the issue

Sensitivity to the needs of others

Ability to work independently

Ability to pass a criminal background check

Willingness to submit to random drug screenings

Willingness to understand and adhere to the confidentiality requirements of the agency

Other Skills/Abilities:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Problem solving skills

Ability to type quickly and accurately

CL&SH offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid leave, and provided a retirement contribution. (The retirement contribution begins after 12 months of employment.)

Hourly rate is $19-$21, based on education, and/or experience.

To apply, send an email with a resume and cover letter (pdf or doc format) to Janette Fife, Sr. Legal Advocate, at jfife[at]cl-sh[dot]org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, however applicants are encouraged to apply before 5pm on Friday, April 18th. No phone calls, please.

CL&SH’s mission is to provide community crisis intervention as well as safe shelter, comprehensive support, and recovery services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and to educate the community about the cycle of violence and its prevention.