Job Information
South Middlesex Opportunity Council Senior Legal Advocate, VAV in Framingham, Massachusetts
Summary: Provide direct services to victims and survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence and their significant others. Coordinate the Voices Against Violence Legal Program.
Why Work for SMOC?
Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide direct services by phone and in person to victims of sexual and domestic violence including crisis intervention, supportive counseling and co-facilitate support groups, safety planning and risk assessment, case management, information and referral, legal and medical advocacy
Provide transportation and accompaniment as needed to facilitate access to services/supports including court.
Act as the Framingham High Risk Response Coordinator.
Assist victims in accessing victim's compensation.
Work with Metrowest Legal Services to coordinate immigration and legal services for victims of sexual and domestic violence.
Remain current with Probate and Criminal statutes and processes relevant to sexual and domestic violence; serve as a resource for VAV staff and others around legal issues.
Participate in rotating after-hours on-call for medical advocacy.
Participate in rotating shifts for hotline coverage during business hours.
Develop and maintain community partnerships and provide outreach and education about VOCA funded services as needed.
Maintain accurate records and keep current with data entry in Empower Data Base.
Attend and participate in internal and external meetings and trainings as required including clinical supervision.
Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
Maintain confidentiality of client, employee, and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
Fluent (written and spoken) in English. Spanish or Portuguese preferred.
Bachelor's degree in public health, education, social work, human services, women’s studies, psychology, or similar preferred; a combination of education and experience will be considered.
Previous experience with sexual assault or domestic violence survivors strongly preferred.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, listening, verbal and written communication skills are required.
Demonstrate understanding of the root causes of sexual and domestic violence; commitment to working with victims and survivors; deep commitment to empowerment, social justice and social change required.
Able to manage competing priorities and responsibilities; able to multi- tasks and effectively deal with the stress of juggling daily tasks, ongoing projects, and the unpredictable nature of crisis work.
Ability to work multi-cultural, LGBTQ inclusive environment; ability to interact with people from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Ability to work both as a team member and independently; self-directed, engaging, energetic and self-motivated.
Must possess a high degree of integrity and proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Knowledge of probate and criminal court issues required.
Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and meet insurance standards.
Must successfully complete a mandatory 45-hour pre-service training to satisfy the requirements of MGL 20J and 20K.
Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to community-based program manager.
Physical Requirement: Ability to drive a car both long and short distances. Ability to traverse residential properties where no elevator is available. Basic office skills (common computer programs and databases, typing, filing, answering phones).
Working Conditions: Some travel is required; this position will drive clients in their personal vehicle to various locations throughout MA. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Senior Legal Advocate will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.
Remote Work Option: Remote work is permissible in some positions at SMOC depending on the key functions and responsibilities. The Senior Legal Advocate position is eligible to work from home 0-20% of the week in scheduling coordination with the department manager.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace
Monday - Friday; 9am - 5pm
37.5
