Client Advocate

Neighborhood Legal Services • New Castle, PA

1d

About The Position

Neighborhood Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm fighting for justice for our low-income clients—come be part of the solution! Demanding work in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. NLS offers an excellent complement of benefits that include 100% healthcare contribution, annual bar dues, matching 403b, and generous paid time off. The Neighborhood Legal Services VOCA Client Advocate will provide a variety of services to crime victims, particularly those who have sought emergency protective relief from the courts under the Protection from Sexual Violence or Intimidation Act and the Protection from Abuse Act. The VOCA Client Advocate will respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims and help them navigate the justice system and stabilize their lives with a goal of providing holistic services to such victims, including assistance with victim compensation applications. The VOCA Client Advocate will work on such cases as determined by the Managing Attorneys. The Client Advocate will be trained in domestic and sexual violence dynamics and trauma and will work with attorneys, paralegals, social workers, law students, domestic violence advocates, and others to ensure that the needs of each crime victim are explored and pursued.

Requirements

• Strong computer knowledge and skills particularly Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service skills
• Experience working collaboratively with staff and other organizations to achieve goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Sensitivity and commitment towards the NLS community and client base
• Must have efficient transportation to NLS offices and other locations as needed for work
• Candidate will receive training on domestic and sexual violence dynamics and trauma impact so as to identify and speak to trauma-informed services.
• Bachelor degree in Counseling, Psychology, Human Services or a relevant degree is preferred.
• Extensive experience may be considered as substitute
• Current drivers’ license and ability to travel if necessary
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Responsibilities

• Collaboration and case planning with attorneys and other staff to further the goals of legal representation
• Provide a variety of social services to help clients resolve critical issues in order to enhance the effectiveness of legal representation
• Conduct interventions with clients as appropriate
• Advocate for clients with other agencies and various entities in the securing of needed services and benefits
• Maintain the referral database of social service agencies
• Participate in community advocacy groups and effectively represent NLSA in those groups
• Assist legal staff with the client advocate aspects of legal cases
• Coordinate the provision of social services with legal representation for effective solutions to client problems
• Assist in selection and preparation of expert witnesses
• Monitor needs of the client community and recommend areas of advocacy development, including community education and self-help advocacy development
• Conduct interviews including eligibility, assessment and substantive interviews in person and by telephone including such interviews as may at times take place outside the regular office setting
• Provide comprehensive assessments of client needs including recommended actions
• Function as a community advocate for NLSA and its clients where appropriate
• Participate as a professional in an interdisciplinary environment that can include attorneys, court personnel, judges, social workers, other agency or government employees and representatives
• Perform such other duties related to the above as assigned by appropriate personnel
• Work with various community groups and accept speaking engagements as assigned
• Participate, as requested or assigned, in program efforts to advance the organization and any fundraising initiatives (or efforts)
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position

Benefits

• NLS 100% paid healthcare through Highmark that includes prescription and dental coverage
• NLS 100% paid Life/ADD, Long-term Disability, Short-term Disability Insurance
• NLS paid Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Contributions to a 403b and/or Roth 403b after one-year of service (optional)
• Options that you may choose to purchase or contribute to include: Vision Insurance FSA – Medical Account FSA - Dependent Care Account Qualified Transportation Election
• Paid Time Off: (pro-rated first year) 15 vacation days 14 sick days 3 Personal Days 16 Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level