Client Advocate, Domestic Violence Program

We believe that a life free of violence and abuse is a basic human right. Our mission is:

• To ADVOCATE for domestic violence victims, at-risk children, and other vulnerable individuals through comprehensive pro bono legal services;
• To EMPOWER victims with knowledge, resources, and on-going support; and 
• To BROADEN OUR IMPACT by engaging, training, and supporting a strong and diverse network of volunteer lawyers and community volunteers. 

DC Volunteer Lawyers Project (DCVLP) was established in 2008 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We engage, train and support hundreds of dedicated volunteer attorneys each year to handle emergency protection order, custody, child/spousal support, divorce, and immigration cases on behalf of victims, and to serve as court-appointed advocates for vulnerable children living with abuse, neglect, and other dangerous circumstances. We operate free call-in and walk-in clinics throughout the District so victims and other DC residents can access free legal services on a wide variety of legal issues including family law, immigration, related criminal cases against abusers, and enforcing victim legal rights in housing, employment, and other financial matters; and non-legal support services including social services referrals, crisis support, and safety planning. More information at www.dcvlp.org. We are seeking qualified applicants to join our skilled and passionate team; we are hiring a Client Advocate for our Domestic Violence Program.

ABOUT YOU:

• You are looking for a job that matters.
• You are detail-oriented, highly-organized, and appreciate systems.
• You have a demonstrated commitment to working with vulnerable populations. Experience working with trauma survivors is a plus
• You are self-motivated and like taking on a variety of tasks.
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• You may be able to work virtually, but you understand that onsite attendance in our D.C. office and community clinics will be required.
• You have a college degree in a related-field or comparable experience working with vulnerable populations/trauma survivors.
• You have one to three (1-3) years of relevant work experience, preferably with an organization that provides direct services to domestic violence victims and their families. 
• You have Domestic Violence Advocate Certification from the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (or other similar organization).
• You have familiarity with social services in Washington, D.C.
• You are proficient in MS Word and MS Excel and database entry.
• Spanish proficiency strongly preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Staff DCVLP’s intake line by screening callers to determine eligibility for our legal services and scheduling in-person and remote legal consultations. 
• Provide non-legal support to clients visiting our in-person legal clinics. 
• Provide non-legal support to clients throughout their legal case including safety planning, crisis intervention, and referrals to community resources. 
• 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 victims. 
• Other duties and responsibilities as needed. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• This is a full-time position.
• Salary commensurate with experience, with a range of $45,000-$55,000.
• DCVLP pays for 90% of your coverage in our medical and dental plans and sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan.
• New employees accrue three weeks of vacation over 12 months plus one week of sick time. 
• In addition to all federal holidays, two personal days per year are also available as floating holidays. 
• We offer a generous family leave policy for parents following the birth or adoption of a child. 
• DCVLP has a positive work environment, with a focus on collaboration, empowerment, and service toward our clients and volunteers.

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 onsite is required.
• Ability to travel to community meetings and D.C. Superior Court as necessary.
• 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.