Job Information
Dove House Advocacy Services Legal Advocate in Port Townsend, Washington
General Summary:
To provide comprehensive legal and community advocacy services to domestic violence and sexual assault clients of the DHAS program.
Specific Responsibilities:
Assist victims in assessing the current situation and developing a safety plan.
Respond to crisis calls providing support, information, and referrals when appropriate. Provide after-hours crisis line response as assigned.
Assist victims in conducting a needs assessment and in accessing community resources.
Consult with DHAS victims and their non-offending family members by telephone and in person to support their process through the legal system.
Provide legal information and referrals.
Assist with preparation of protection and anti-harassment order petitions.
Assist clients with "police report statements" and crime victim compensation documents and support victims through specific civil and criminal court proceedings.
Accompany clients to court hearings and legal or medical interviews, as needed. Provide advocacy support to clients in all relevant interactions with law enforcement agencies.
Provide ongoing legal advocacy beyond that of the protection order (e.g., family law issues, agency advocacy).
Develop and maintain a cooperative relationship with other agencies and personnel in the legal system.
Maintain a working knowledge of civil and criminal court systems, policies, and procedures as they pertain to domestic violence and sexual assault. Attend training courses as necessary to remain current in the field.
Maintain complete records and statistics for all client contacts as required by the program.
Provide assistance in training new staff and volunteers as required.
Qualifications:
Complete 30 hours of initial domestic violence/sexual assault training and on-going training as required.
Skills in counseling victims/survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault.
Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence/sexual assault.
Knowledge of how this community responds to victims/survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault.
Knowledge of community resources including legal, medical, and social services.
Knowledge of the court systems, District and Superior in relation to domestic violence and sexual assault victims served by DHAS.
Ability to appear in court as needed.