Women Against Abuse
Women Against Abuse (WAA), Philadelphia's leading domestic violence advocate and service provider, and among the largest domestic violence agencies in the country serving 2 Safe Havens, 15 Transitional Housing apartments, Legal Services, Hotline Counseling, Aftercare Community-Based services, Prevention & Education, and Advocacy is looking for a Court Advocate within our Legal Center!
Responsibilities As part of our Legal Center, the Court Advocate will provide a range of advocacy and direct services using a trauma informed practice to survivors of domestic violence both in court and through telephone counseling providing support on various options and referrals. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Working with clients to explain the court system and the client's role as a survivor and/or witness. Working cooperatively with WAA Paralegals, coordinating advocacy on behalf of survivors and/or witnesses in the court system as well as providing advocacy and offering support before trial and when in the courtroom. Staff centralized courtrooms for preliminary hearings and misdemeanor trials which originate as domestic violence matters. Contacting clients prior to their appearance in the courtroom in order to inform them of the program and offer support to them. Offer emotional support and provide information on the legal system and other resources to clients following the preliminary hearing where possible, including accompanying clients at trials and hearings subsequent to the preliminary hearing. Provide support services and safety planning to clients participating in supervised visitation services.
All responsibilities are expected to be delivered satisfactorily and with superior customer service and according to Agency standards.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Human Service or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Experience in legal services and/or advocacy, required. Demonstrated proficiency in communication, both verbal and written, required. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population, required. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member, required. Demonstrated commitment to service of others, required. Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience in a non-profit environment, preferred. Previous experience working with survivors of domestic violence, preferred. Knowledge in the dynamics of trauma, preferred. Previous Paralegal experience, preferred. Strong multi-tasking skills and a genuine effective manner, preferred. Demonstrated ability to organizational time and details, including keeping of records, preferred. Bilingual or Conversational in another language in addition to English, preferred. PCADV Certification, preferred. If not already obtained, must attend Domestic Violence Advocate Paid Training, Post Hire Recent PA Child Abuse, Criminal and FBI clearances, preferred; If not obtained, must satisfactorily pass criminal (state & FBI) and child abuse clearances, Post Offer*
Benefits: Health Insurance - Medical, Vision & Dental (No Deductibles), Generous PTO - Vacation, Holiday, Sick, and Personal, Annual Increases, Years of Service Recognition Increases (every 2 years of continuous service), EAP Employee Assistance Program (self and household members) & more.
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (4 days in court, 1 day in office) Pay Rate: $18.81 an hour Location: Center City, Philadelphia, PA
The mission of WAA is to provide quality, compassionate and non-judgmental services in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons experiencing intimate partner violence through advocacy and community education. WAA's Core Values are Safety, Empowerment, Strength, Hope, Respect, and Integrity and we are committed to a work environment built on honesty, transparency, teamwork, accountability, and a high level of professionalism.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color, LGBTQ communities, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Responsibilities As part of our Legal Center, the Court Advocate will provide a range of advocacy and direct services using a trauma informed practice to survivors of domestic violence both in court and through telephone counseling providing support on various options and referrals. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Working with clients to explain the court system and the client's role as a survivor and/or witness. Working cooperatively with WAA Paralegals, coordinating advocacy on behalf of survivors and/or witnesses in the court system as well as providing advocacy and offering support before trial and when in the courtroom. Staff centralized courtrooms for preliminary hearings and misdemeanor trials which originate as domestic violence matters. Contacting clients prior to their appearance in the courtroom in order to inform them of the program and offer support to them. Offer emotional support and provide information on the legal system and other resources to clients following the preliminary hearing where possible, including accompanying clients at trials and hearings subsequent to the preliminary hearing. Provide support services and safety planning to clients participating in supervised visitation services.
All responsibilities are expected to be delivered satisfactorily and with superior customer service and according to Agency standards.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Human Service or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Experience in legal services and/or advocacy, required. Demonstrated proficiency in communication, both verbal and written, required. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population, required. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member, required. Demonstrated commitment to service of others, required. Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience in a non-profit environment, preferred. Previous experience working with survivors of domestic violence, preferred. Knowledge in the dynamics of trauma, preferred. Previous Paralegal experience, preferred. Strong multi-tasking skills and a genuine effective manner, preferred. Demonstrated ability to organizational time and details, including keeping of records, preferred. Bilingual or Conversational in another language in addition to English, preferred. PCADV Certification, preferred. If not already obtained, must attend Domestic Violence Advocate Paid Training, Post Hire Recent PA Child Abuse, Criminal and FBI clearances, preferred; If not obtained, must satisfactorily pass criminal (state & FBI) and child abuse clearances, Post Offer*
Benefits: Health Insurance - Medical, Vision & Dental (No Deductibles), Generous PTO - Vacation, Holiday, Sick, and Personal, Annual Increases, Years of Service Recognition Increases (every 2 years of continuous service), EAP Employee Assistance Program (self and household members) & more.
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (4 days in court, 1 day in office) Pay Rate: $18.81 an hour Location: Center City, Philadelphia, PA
The mission of WAA is to provide quality, compassionate and non-judgmental services in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons experiencing intimate partner violence through advocacy and community education. WAA's Core Values are Safety, Empowerment, Strength, Hope, Respect, and Integrity and we are committed to a work environment built on honesty, transparency, teamwork, accountability, and a high level of professionalism.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color, LGBTQ communities, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.