Legal Advocate – Domestic Violence Project

DVP seeks a full-time Legal Advocate with 2-4 years of experience to join a passionate team of attorneys and advocates to help survivors of intimate partner violence and their children gain safety, security, and independence. The ideal candidate can thrive working both independently and collaboratively as part of a
team, is comfortable with public speaking, and has a passion for helping to build partnerships and community.

About DVP

The Domestic Violence Project (DVP)’s mission is to help survivors of intimate partner violence and their children live free of violence and abuse, marshalling the combination of legal and advocacy services necessary to secure justice and a dignified quality of life. We consider intimate partner violence – regardless of gender, sexual identity, religion, immigration, or other status – to be a human rights violation. We serve an average of 1,600 survivors annually across all five boroughs of NYC through our comprehensive direct services (legal representation in family law and immigration matters, holistic case management, and empowerment groups), plus an additional 1,000+ reached through community outreach, education, and clinics.

The Advocate will report to the Director of Client Services.

Responsibilities include:

• Complete face to face and telephonic intakes and legal screenings within proscribed timelines.
• Provide crisis intervention,safety planning and risk assessment analysis.
• Provide robust advocacy on issues such as surrounding housing, benefits, safety, employment.
• Assist clients’ understanding of full range available community-based services and make meaning referrals.
• Maintain accurate and timely case files and documentation of of all contact and services.
• Maintain organized and accurate records; report on statistics and funding requirements as needed.
• Participate in regular team meetings, professional development trainings, and workshops.
• Collaborate with our advocacy team and attorneys to assist clients and increase effectiveness of programming.
• Conduct outreach, education, and know-your-rights workshops to service providers, City Council member offices, and more throughout New York City and virtually.
• Lead survivor centered empowerment groups.
• Build and foster relationships with other community-based organizations serving vulnerable populations to develop collaborations with DVP.
• Help train and mentor seasonal interns and volunteers.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• 2-4 years of experience working with survivors or other underserved populations.
• Fluent in Spanish or another community language preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of intimate partner violence and trauma.
• Proficiency working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Aptitude for intense and thorough negotiation and advocacy.
• Ability to work with clients in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner.
• Ability to work evenings if necessary.
• Exceptional interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills and the ability to apply these skills in diverse situations.
• Must be able to travel between boroughs.
• Interest in working within a multi-disciplinary framework.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance available on first day of employment
• Dental Insurance
• Eye Care Reimbursement
• Employer Retirement Contribution
• Pet Insurance
• Generous Vacation and Personal Time, including 4 weeks’ vacation, 5 personal days, and 1-week paid time off during annual office-wide holiday closure; early release summer Fridays and before federal holidays; day after Thanksgiving; and birthday.
• 12 paid sick days
• Flexible spending account
• Commuter Benefits
• Gym reimbursement program
• An organizational culture valuing employees’ work/life balance

DVP is currently operating on a hybrid schedule: for this position, main office days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Hybrid schedule may change upon needs of program. Office hours are 9am-5pm, with occasional evenings required.

This is a bargaining unit position represented for collective bargaining purposes by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW, Local 2230. The salary range for this position is $53,771.82 – $57,640.83 / year. Generous vacation, medical, and dental benefits are provided.

To Apply:

Please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) resume and (3) references via email to Maria Martinez, Director of Client Services atmmartinez@urbanjustice.org. Please write “Legal Advocate” in the subject heading. We regret that due to high volume, we are unable to respond to inquiries and will only contact those candidates selected for consideration. Please do not contact us via telephone or fax.

DVP is an independently operating division of the Urban Justice Center, a social justice nonprofit organization based in New York City. The Urban Justice Center is home to 12 social justice projects that operate independently but share the agency’s infrastructure, as well as a common commitment to finding innovative solutions to the problems of poor and vulnerable people.

The Urban Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, LGBTQ individuals, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.