Legal Advocate-Madison, Oglethorpe and Oconee

Job Title:

Legal Advocate-Madison, Oglethorpe and Oconee Department:

Outreach Reports To:

Community Response & Outreach Services Director Salary:

$41,000 - $46,000 Based on experience.

Prepared Date:

Jan 7, 2026 Position Summary The Legal Advocate provides trauma-informed legal advocacy and direct support services to survivors of domestic violence in Madison, Oglethorpe and Oconee counties. This position focuses on survivor safety, legal system navigation, and collaboration with criminal justice partners in communities where access to resources is often limited. The advocate works directly with survivors to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, legal information, and court advocacy while also strengthening coordinated community responses to domestic violence. This role requires flexibility, strong judgment, and the ability to work independently in rural environments. Direct Survivor Services Review law enforcement reports from rural and outer counties to identify incidents involving intimate partner violence and potential lethality factors. Conduct timely outreach to survivors identified through police reports or referrals to inform them of available services and assess safety needs. Provide trauma-informed crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and survivor-centered legal advocacy. Provide legal information related to civil and criminal justice processes, including protective orders, court procedures, and victim rights. This position does not provide legal advice. Assist survivors with crime victim compensation applications and other victim services as appropriate. Advocate for and accompany survivors to civil and criminal court proceedings when requested. Facilitate trauma-informed support groups focused on domestic violence education, empowerment, and healing. Participate in the weekly walk-in clinic rotation, providing face-to-face legal advocacy and resource navigation. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case notes, documentation, and required statistical reporting in accordance with agency policies. Rural Systems Advocacy and Partnership Development Build and maintain collaborative relationships with law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and community partners. Initiate and maintain relationships with attorneys willing to provide pro bono or reduced-fee legal services for survivors. Participate in Community Accountability Protocol meetings, providing domestic violence expertise and identifying potential lethality concerns. Support survivor-centered and voluntary engagement with law enforcement while maintaining strict confidentiality. Collaborate with internal teams to improve systems responses and survivor outcomes in rural communities. Qualification Required Knowledge and Experience Minimum of two years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence or related victim services. Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, including impacts on children, older adults, LGBTQ+ survivors, and survivors with disabilities. Demonstrated ability to assess risk, identify lethality factors, and prioritize survivor safety. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage time, travel demands, and competing priorities in a fast-paced, crisis-driven environment. Experience developing and maintaining cooperative relationships with diverse individuals, organizations, and government agencies. Communication and Professional Skills Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking. Ability to explain complex legal and advocacy information in clear, accessible language. Willingness to engage in ongoing learning related to advocacy-based research and best practices. Additional Requirements Commitment to trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy. Adherence to agency policies, confidentiality standards, and ethical guidelines. Participation in staff meetings, trainings, and Project Safe's on-call rotation. Commitment to ongoing professional development and education. Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of vehicle insurance. Ability to travel regularly within rural service areas and work flexible hours as needed. Consent to a criminal background check. Perform other duties as needed to support Project Safe's mission and vision.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$41,000.00 - $46,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Travel reimbursement

Experience:

Legal Advocacy :

1 year (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Athens, GA 30605 (Required)

Work Location:

In person