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Law & Public Safety
Law Clerk
Columbia, MD
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$58,000 (nonnegotiable) Salary based on current grant funding The Legal Advocate is an integral member of HopeWorks' Legal Department and provides survivor-centered, trauma-informed advocacy to survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence in Howard County, Maryland. The Legal Advocate conducts intakes; gathers and organizes case information and documents; provides legal information, safety planning, referrals, and court accompaniment; and supports attorneys with case preparation and follow-up. The Legal Advocate is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice or representation. Accurate case tracking, timely communication, and coordinated advocacy help survivors understand legal processes and advance their safety, stability, and self-determination. The successful candidate will be dependable, highly organized, comfortable in a fast-paced environment, and committed to HopeWorks' mission and social justice values. The Legal Advocate has three primary areas of responsibility: District Court outreach and court-based advocacy: Attend Temporary Protective Order hearings in Howard County District Court, generally three to four afternoons per week, observe proceedings as permitted, and offer potential clients information about HopeWorks' services, court accompaniment, and available referrals. Intake, case coordination, and legal-team support: Conduct timely, thorough intakes with individuals referred by the court, HopeWorks' hotline and programs, partner organizations, or self-referral. Gather and organize relevant case information and documents, communicate next steps within the advocate's role, and provide information and referrals when a matter falls outside HopeWorks' scope.
Legal-system accompaniment and follow-up:
Accompany clients, as appropriate, to court, law enforcement agencies, the commissioner's office, and related proceedings; provide emotional support and procedural information; coordinate with the legal team; and complete timely follow-up and documentation. HopeWorks' staff are invested in changing the systems and imbalances of power that contribute to sexual and intimate partner violence, including racism, transphobia, poverty, xenophobia, ableism, and other forms of oppression. The successful candidate will understand how these inequities affect survivors and will bring a demonstrated commitment to social justice, cultural humility, and trauma-informed, survivor-centered service.
Online Application Link:
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/57F0B2A019C74484C2E21C815D921A34/jobs/140205 The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, sociology, human services, legal studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience At least one year of relevant professional, internship, practicum, or other substantial experience in legal services, advocacy, victim services, case management, crisis response, or human services Experience working with survivors of trauma or individuals experiencing crisis and familiarity with survivor-centered, trauma-informed services (strongly preferred) Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information in clear, accessible language Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and shared calendars; experience with case management databases or comparable data systems; and the ability to learn new technology quickly Demonstrated reliability, initiative, strong work ethic, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through Strong organization and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, detailed records, and urgent client needs in a fast-paced environment Commitment to HopeWorks' mission, cultural humility, social justice, confidentiality, teamwork, and survivor-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed service Current, valid driver's license and insurance and reliable transportation for regular travel between the office, courts, and other work-related locations Oral and written fluency in one or more languages in addition to English is strongly preferred but not required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from potential clients, current clients, HopeWorks staff, and community partners, including crisis calls routed to the Legal Department Conduct timely, thorough, trauma-informed intakes; identify immediate safety concerns; explain available HopeWorks legal services; and connect clients with appropriate internal and external resources Provide legal information, procedural guidance, referrals, and safety planning within the scope of a non-attorney advocate; do not provide legal advice or representation Support clients seeking Peace and Protective Orders by explaining court processes, assisting with court forms as permitted, preparing clients for what to expect, and accompanying clients to hearings when needed Attend designated Temporary Protective Order dockets in District Court, generally three to four afternoons per week, and provide outreach, information, and referrals to potential clients Accompany clients to criminal and civil legal proceedings, law enforcement agencies, commissioners' offices, and related appointments, offering trauma-informed support and procedural information Collect, scan, label, and securely organize client documents and other case-related information for attorney consultation, case review, or representation Prepare clear, objective intake and case summaries and provide relevant documents, evidence, and updates to the legal team for review Complete conflicts checks and update the conflicts database promptly and contemporaneously with each new contact, in accordance with department procedures Maintain complete, accurate, and current client records in the agency's electronic case management system, Excel tracking tools, shared calendars, electronic files, and other designated platforms Track and monitor consultations, case status, court dates, deadlines, follow-up tasks, and outcomes; alert the legal team promptly to upcoming or urgent matters Enter and verify service data and statistical information required for grants, departmental reports, audits, and program evaluation; assist in resolving missing or inconsistent data Maintain secure, well-organized electronic and, when applicable, paper case files; verify that required information and documentation are complete before attorney review Schedule and confirm client appointments, consultations, and court-related activities; promptly update the Legal Department calendar and communicate changes to appropriate team members Conduct timely client follow-up, including status checks, information requests, referrals, and surveys; document all contacts and outcomes Maintain current legal-service forms, informational materials, resource lists, and referral databases for routine client and community requests Coordinate with HopeWorks advocates, case managers, clinicians, residential staff, and external providers to address related needs and support continuity of services Keep the Director of Legal Services informed of client crises, safety concerns, unusual circumstances, barriers, complaints, and matters outside the normal scope of work; seek guidance when needed Protect client confidentiality and follow HopeWorks policies, legal-ethics safeguards, grant requirements, and applicable federal and state privacy protections Support outreach to current and potential partner organizations and assist with the orientation, training, and support of legal interns as assigned Participate in Legal Department and agency meetings, required training, and professional development; perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Legal Services in support of the department and agency mission
Competencies:
An individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position. Technology and Data Management Uses case management systems, Excel, Microsoft 365, shared calendars, and other platforms accurately and efficiently. Maintains timely records, monitors deadlines, resolves data issues, and learns new systems quickly. Survivor-Centered Approachability Creates a respectful, accessible environment for survivors and colleagues. Listens without judgment, welcomes questions and feedback, and maintains appropriate professional boundaries.
Communication:
Oral and Written Communicates clearly, respectfully, and promptly with survivors, courts, attorneys, colleagues, and partners. Explains procedural information accessibly and produces objective, organized documentation. Problem Solving Gathers and analyzes information, identifies barriers and available options, responds calmly to change, and works with the legal team to resolve issues promptly. Judgment, Role Clarity, and Boundaries Makes sound, timely decisions; recognizes urgent safety or legal concerns; protects confidentiality; distinguishes legal information from legal advice; and seeks attorney or supervisory guidance when a matter is outside the advocate's role or authority. Collaboration and Teamwork Works cooperatively across HopeWorks to support shared goals and coordinated services. Shares critical information promptly, responds constructively to feedback, and contributes to a respectful work environment. Quality and Attention to Detail Produces accurate, thorough work despite competing deadlines and emotionally demanding subject matter. Reviews records for completeness, corrects errors promptly, and follows established procedures. Planning, Organization, and Case Tracking Prioritizes intakes, appointments, court dates, records, deadlines, and follow-up; adapts to workload changes; and uses reliable systems to prevent missed actions or incomplete data. Professionalism and Confidentiality Uses discretion and sound judgment, safeguards sensitive information, maintains professional boundaries, and considers the impact of words, actions, and decisions on survivors, colleagues, and partners. Reliability and Initiative Demonstrates a strong work ethic, consistent attendance, preparation, follow-through, and accountability. Anticipates routine needs, takes appropriate initiative, and communicates barriers early. Cultural Humility and Respect Treats all people with dignity; values diverse identities and experiences; recognizes bias and oppression; remains open to learning; and adapts services to cultural, linguistic, and accessibility needs. Commitment to Social Change and Social Justice Understands the systems and inequities that contribute to intimate partner and sexual violence and applies that understanding to support survivor choice, access, safety, and self-determination. Safety and Security Follows safety and security procedures in the office, in court, and in the community; reports concerns promptly; and uses equipment, records, and materials appropriately. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, speak, communicate and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. ________________________________________________________________________________________
Note:
This job description summarizes the general nature and level of work and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned other job-related duties consistent with the position. Duties and requirements may be modified as needed, including to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law. This description does not create an employment contract or alter the at-will employment relationship.
TO APPLY
Applicants must complete the online application and submit a resume and letter of interest. Applications without both documents will not be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. HopeWorks will contact only applicants selected for further consideration. Phone calls will not be accepted.
Online Application Link:
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/57F0B2A019C74484C2E21C815D921A34/jobs/140205 HopeWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
