Working under the supervision of the Managing Attorney, the Legal Advocate helps the general public by providing information and support to victims of domestic violence in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County and/or Weinberg Residence (the YWCA shelter for domestic violence victims and their children.) In addition, the Legal Advocate helps manage the Legal Services phone intake system and returns client calls, performs client intakes, assigns clients' peace and protective order cases to attorneys and assists in maintaining the attorney calendar.
The Legal Advocate position supports the legal department with peace and protective orders. This position does not supervise staff, interns, or volunteers.
Essential Job Functions
- Assists victims of domestic violence by providing support and information including safety planning;
- Assists in managing the Legal Services intake system by calling back clients, performing client intakes, and assigning cases to attorneys;
- Provides coverage for both the Annapolis District Court and Glen Burnie District Court;
- Performs detailed intakes and completes documentation in the agency's Vela database;
- Maintains attorney Google calendar(s);
- Attends daily domestic violence court dockets & offers YWCA services to clients as appropriate;
- Provides accompaniment for victims, as available;
- Gathers and reports statistics required by funding sources in a timely manner;
- Obtains necessary waivers from victims;
- Gives victims survey evaluations;
- Maintains strict confidentiality and legal privilege.
- Refers cases to YWCA Legal Services by forwarding completed intake forms and courts pleadings and assists attorneys in case preparation as requested;
- Provides training on domestic violence issues to YWCA, court personnel and community groups if requested;
Non-Essential Job Functions:
- Participates in Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, service integration committee or other related community groups on a regular basis as requested;
- Participates in YWCA events and activities;
- Maintains knowledge/education through continuing legal education and independent research;
- Performs all other duties as deemed necessary by the Director of Legal Services, COO or CEO.
Education & Experience Requirements: Bachelor's degree in law, social services or related field, preferred;Two plus years experience in legal field and domestic violence, preferred;
Other Job-Related Requirements: Able to maintain client and agency confidentiality; Able to work independently, with minimal supervision; Able to work with people of diverse educational, cultural, and economic backgrounds; Excellent organizational skills to coordinate projects and tasks; Excellent communication skills; Proficient computer skills in Microsoft office products; Ability to communicate with Spanish speaking clients preferred; Able to appropriately and effectively communicate with co-workers and community members;
Able to bend and lift 40 pounds, or the equivalent of a box of brochures; Availability of a vehicle and a current driver's license;
Committed to the mission and vision of the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
The YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.