Position Title:

Legal Advocate Reports To:

Residential Manager Employment Status:

Full-Time (40 Hours per Week) Position Summary The Legal Advocate provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy and support services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and other crimes. The Legal Advocate assists survivors in navigating civil and criminal justice systems, accessing legal resources, understanding their rights, navigating protection order processes, and reducing barriers to safety and stability. The Legal Advocate works collaboratively with shelter staff, law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, attorneys, healthcare providers, and community partners to ensure victims receive comprehensive support and access to available legal remedies while maintaining survivor autonomy, dignity, and self-determination. The Legal Advocate works under the supervision of the Residential Manager and as part of Haven House's multidisciplinary victim services team. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply in order to enhance accessibility of services for survivors with limited English proficiency. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Direct Victim Services Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, advocacy, and safety planning services to victims of crime. Conduct client assessments to identify legal, safety, housing, financial, and service needs. Assist survivors in understanding their rights and available legal options. Support victims in developing individualized safety plans that address immediate and ongoing safety concerns. Provide information regarding Orders of Protection, no-contact orders, victim compensation, custody issues, and other legal processes. Assist clients with approved self-help forms and related documentation as appropriate, while maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding the unauthorized practice of law. Maintain timely and accurate case records and service documentation. Support survivors in achieving goals related to safety, stability, self-sufficiency, and recovery. Court and Legal Advocacy Accompany victims to court hearings, protection order proceedings, prosecutor meetings, and related legal appointments. Assist victims in navigating civil and criminal court systems. Coordinate services with prosecutors, court personnel, law enforcement agencies, and legal service providers. Facilitate referrals to legal aid organizations, private attorneys, and community resources. Advocate for victim rights and access to services throughout legal proceedings. Provide information regarding victim rights and available legal remedies while maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding the unauthorized practice of law. Case Management and Resource Coordination Assist victims in accessing housing, transportation, employment, healthcare, counseling, financial assistance, childcare, and other supportive services. Coordinate referrals and follow-up services with community partners. Participate in multidisciplinary case coordination and service planning as appropriate. Collaborate with shelter staff to support client goals and promote long-term stability. Assist with resource navigation and removal of barriers that impact victim safety and recovery. Community Collaboration and Outreach Develop and maintain positive working relationships with courts, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, legal service providers, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Participate in community meetings, task forces, coordinated response efforts, and collaborative initiatives as assigned. Assist with community education and awareness activities related to victim rights, domestic violence, sexual assault, and available services. Represent Haven House professionally within the community and support collaborative efforts to improve services for victims of crime. Documentation and Reporting Maintain confidential client records in accordance with agency policies, state law, federal regulations, and victim confidentiality requirements. Complete all required documentation, data entry, and case notes in a timely and accurate manner. Collect and enter program data and outcome information into agency databases and reporting systems. Assist with grant reporting requirements, program evaluation activities, and outcome measurement. Prepare reports and documentation as requested. Participate in regular supervision meetings with the Residential Manager. Participate in case staffing meetings and service coordination meetings to ensure continuity of care and effective service delivery. Maintain documentation necessary to support grant compliance, program monitoring, and quality assurance activities. Other Duties Participate in agency meetings, trainings, and professional development activities. Assist with shelter operations and client support services as needed. Support the agency's trauma-informed, survivor-centered service philosophy. Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of Haven House. Minimum Qualifications Associate's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field; Bachelor's degree preferred. Experience working with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, human trafficking, or other crimes preferred. Knowledge of trauma-informed and survivor-centered service delivery practices. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations. Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout the service area. Preferred Qualifications Prior victim advocacy experience. Experience working with courts, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, or legal service providers. Knowledge of Indiana Orders of Protection, victim rights laws, and community resources. Experience with grant-funded programs, documentation requirements, and data collection systems. Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) strongly preferred. Experience working with diverse populations and individuals from underserved or marginalized communities. Work Environment The Legal Advocate works in a combination of office, shelter, court, and community settings. Evening and occasional weekend hours may be required to meet client needs, attend court proceedings, participate in community meetings, or respond to urgent client situations. Haven House Commitment Haven House is committed to providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered services that promote safety, empowerment, stability, and recovery through its R.I.S.E. Model (Resources, Independence, Stability, and Empowerment). Employees are expected to support the mission, values, and goals of the organization while fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for clients, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

Pay:

$19.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off

Education:

Associate (Required)

Experience:

Legal Advocate:

1 year (Preferred) domestic violence : 1 year (Preferred) Shift availability: Day Shift (Required)

Work Location:

In person