Who We Are

Position Summary

The Victim Services Legal Advocate position exists to ensure the delivery of services to adult survivors through YWCA Outreach program under the Victims Crime Act (VOCA) grant. This position ensures services are delivered in conjunction with a survivor-directed, victim oriented, empowered-based philosophy. The Victim Services Legal Advocate provides counseling, advocacy, court advocacy and accompaniment, knowledge of criminal justice system, and related direct services to victims of domestic violence; while providing information and referrals to break the cycle of violence in the lives of women and children. Additionally, position exists to uphold YWCA of Palm Beach County as an expert in the area of domestic violence and to build partnerships, collaborations, and special initiatives to the promote ending violence against women and children, and advocate for such throughout Palm Beach County.

Key Position Duties & Functions

Facilitation of Direct Services:

• Facilitates direct services to at least 100+ victims of domestic violence in the Outreach program (e.g. intake, counseling, advocacy, court accompaniment, referrals, and crisis intervention, etc.) annually
• Provides at least 200+ information and referrals for services annually
• Assists at least 100+ victims of domestic violence with Victims Compensation, Address Confidentiality, and/or Relocation applications annually
• Provide criminal justice support/advocacy to victims of domestic abuse     
• Offering emotional support, crisis intervention, and connecting victims with resources to stabilize their lives after victimization.
• Provide legal emergency advocacy to victims of domestic abuse
• Implement and Facilitate support groups for victims of domestic violence
• Ensures all services provided are in line with a survivor-directed, victim-oriented, empowerment-based philosophy
• Ensures the continued facilitation of new program development and activities that benefits survivors in the Outreach program
• Coordinate and facilitates existing partnerships, collaborations, and relationships with other agencies to ensure the best delivery of services to survivors in Outreach, (e.g. CILO for disabilities, Lewis Center for housing, etc.)
• Participates monthly in community meetings, identify ways YWCA can contribute, and share information that will assist in expansion of services and partnerships.
• Builds new partnerships, collaborations, and relationships with other agencies or providers to acquire the best services for survivors participating in Outreach and promote and advocate for ending violence against women and children
• Working closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other agencies to ensure a coordinated response to crime victim needs.
• Participate in Public Awareness Education by facilitating at least 5+ community education or professional trainings in the community with 2+ trainings for law enforcement professionals annually
• Monitors data security and ensures consistent implementation daily
• Maintains accurate program participant files and case notes and completes daily logs; Osnium entry and all other VOCA requirements to ensure accurate statistical data

Ensure YWCA Harmony House emergency domestic violence shelter remains as a state certified shelter and is viewed as the expert on domestic violence in Palm Beach County and remains a well-established and well-known program by:

• Collaborating and partnering with providers, agencies, businesses and/or networking in the community including participating on community teams aimed at addressing domestic violence (e.g. Domestic Violence Council, Victims’ Rights Coalition, etc.)
• Communicating with the Director of Domestic Abuse Shelter & Programs and Chief Program Officer consistently and as needed
• Promoting and advancing YWCA USA advocacy initiatives including inclusion and gender issues in the areas of domestic violence and consistently & strategically disseminate advocacy initiative by participating in Countywide by speaking engagements presentation, webinars including clubs, forums etc.
• Obtaining at least 16 hours of training annually related to domestic violence or related trainings every year between July 1 and June 30.
• Maintaining accurate daily logs, monthly report requirements, and all documentation related to service provision
• All other duties as assigned

Skills & Abilities

• Must be knowledgeable of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be prompt; timely and responsive to needs of fast-paced organization
• Must be able to handle confidential information discretely
• Must be able learn quickly and have strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Must be willing to provide back up and support for staff working non-traditional hours (overnight and weekends)
• Must maintain a positive work environment
• Must have knowledge of the court system
• Must have knowledge of American Disabilities Act (ADA), Equal Opportunity (EO), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), legislation and laws addressing rights for victims
• DCF Domestic Violence Program Core Competency and privilege status obtained within first 90 days.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or related Human Service field Experience

Experience

• Bilingual preferred
• Three years’ experience in field of domestic violence, homeless services, case management, and/or community collaboration.
• Two years’ experience working with victims of crime or in a crisis intervention setting
• Minimum 2-year experience utilizing client database systems (i.e. Osinum or similar data systems) for data entry and reporting preferred
• Must have a valid driver’s license

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to exert physical effort which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds), bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, and sitting.
• Travel required in the Palm Beach County area.

Starting Salary Range: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00