Civil Legal Advocate

This position focuses on ensuring that survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault receive civil legal advocacy services, which includes understanding legal procedures, assisting clients in obtaining appropriate forms and filling out paperwork, attending civil hearings, and preparing clients for court appearances. This person also coordinates legal advocacy volunteers to leverage DVSAS services.

Responsibilities:

Link victims of domestic violence who have gilled petitions for a family protection order in Magistrate Court with a pro bono attorney to represent them at the final hearing Distribute public information materials about the pro bono project throughout the community, to allied organizations, and at Magistrate Court. Provide applications for pro bono attorneys at Magistrate Court facilities. Implement a systematic plan for marketing the legal needs of the domestic violence program to potential pro bono attorneys. Collect daily, applications for pro bono representation from Magistrate Court along with associated copies of family protection protections. Provide appropiate support services in court to pro bono attorneys. Assist in preparing victims for court, coordination efforts with other RDVIC staff. Maintain professional working relationships with the courts, attorneys, Legal Aid of West Virginia, and statewide pro bono project coordinators. Assist Legal Aid of West Virginia in meeting orientation and training needs of attorneys who participate in the project. Attend meetings pertaining to the Civil Legal Assistance grant. Complete monthly project reports promptly and submits to West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence for collation with other local domestic violence program Civil Legal Assistance Reports. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience working with child and adult victims of domestic violence. Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to assume a position of leadership and work in a self-motivated manner. Knowledge and understanding of the West Virginia court system, especially at the Magistrate Court Level. Demonstrated professional competence in resolving differences generated by the perspective of diverse disciplines.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Psychology or related field. (Required)

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.00 per hour

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Microsoft Office:

1 year (Required)

Paralegal:

1 year (Required)

Work Location:

In person