Client Advocate, Domestic Violence Program

Since 2008, DC Volunteer Lawyers Project (DCVLP) has provided free legal services to thousands of survivors of domestic violence, vulnerable children, and immigrant survivors of gender-based violence. In our Domestic Violence Program, we represent survivors of domestic violence, including victims of dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and gender-based violence. Our client advocates help our clients achieve long-term safety and stability by providing non-legal support including social services referrals, emotional support, and safety planning and by connecting them to our community partners for assistance during and beyond the closing of their case. More information is available at www.dcvlp.org.

Why You Want This Job:

• You believe that a life free from violence and abuse is a basic human right.
• You have demonstrated commitment to working with vulnerable populations. Experience working with domestic violence survivors preferred. 
• You can work virtually but understand that onsite attendance in our D.C. office and onsite participation in community clinics is required.

Tasks and Duties

• Provide non-legal support to domestic violence clients receiving services at DCVLP through a walk-in clinic and/or throughout their legal case including safety planning, emotional support, and referrals to community resources.
• Staff DCVLP’s intake line by screening callers to determine eligibility for our legal services and scheduling in-person and remote legal consultations.
• Conduct follow up with clients at the conclusion of their case.
• Document all client contacts in a timely manner.
• Cultivate partnerships with social services providers that provide services to domestic violence survivors.

Other Duties and Responsibilities 

Other relevant duties as assigned. This description is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish is required.
• Superlative interpersonal skills and ability to develop good working relationships with clients, staff, partner organizations, and members of local legal services and community coalitions.
• One to three (1-3) years of relevant work experience, preferably with an organization that provides direct services to domestic violence survivors and their families.
• Familiarity with social services in Washington, D.C.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Salary & Benefits

DCVLP has a positive and supportive work environment with an intentional focus on recruiting, nurturing, and retaining a talented and diverse staff. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance. The salary for this position is $60,000. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. DCVLP sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. DCVLP also provides a tax-free stipend of $75 each month for personal cell phone and Wi-Fi expenses. Employees receive generous paid time off every year, including three weeks of vacation, three weeks of wellness leave, and 13 holidays. We offer a generous family leave policy for parents following the birth or adoption of a child or placement of a foster child. DCVLP employees are also eligible to participate in the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For more information, see https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

Physical Requirements of the Job

In addition to the functional skills in this job posting, the following physical abilities are representative of physical demands and environment essential to this position:

• Regular attendance at DCVLP’s office, community legal clinics, and outreach events are required.
• Ability to travel to community locations.
• The work environment has moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, printers, and light traffic).

To Apply

DCVLP has a non-discrimination policy and encourages all interested and qualified applicants to apply regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or other status protected by applicable law. Interested applicants should send a letter of intent and a resume to Sara Tennen at jobs@dcvlp.org.

DCVLP has a positive and supportive work environment with an intentional focus on recruiting, nurturing, and retaining a talented and diverse staff. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance. The salary for this position is $60,000. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. DCVLP sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. DCVLP also provides a tax-free stipend of $75 each month for personal cell phone and Wi-Fi expenses. Employees receive generous paid time off every year, including three weeks of vacation, three weeks of wellness leave, and 13 holidays. We offer a generous family leave policy for parents following the birth or adoption of a child or placement of a foster child. DCVLP employees are also eligible to participate in the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For more information, see https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.