Job Title: Legal Advocate
Reports to: Shelter Manager
Status: Full Time - Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $26.57-$29.89/hour DOE

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Legal Advocate is responsible for providing comprehensive legal support to victims and survivors of domestic violence. This position ensures that clients understand their rights, have access to appropriate legal resources, and receive guidance throughout their involvement with the civil and criminal legal systems. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

  • Strong understanding of domestic violence laws, victims’ rights, and the civil/criminal legal systems.

  • Demonstrated ability to assist clients in completing protective order applications, family law documentation, and other legal forms relevant to their cases.

  • Skills in collaborating effectively with court personnel, attorneys, law enforcement, and other legal professionals.

  • Experience providing legal advocacy or working within domestic violence services preferred.

  • Ability to communicate clearly, compassionately, and effectively with individuals in crisis.

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.

  • Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and empowerment-based advocacy.

KNOWLEDGE:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, trauma-informed practices, and victim-centered advocacy.

  • Understanding of state and federal domestic violence laws, protective orders, family law processes, and victims’ rights.

  • Familiarity with civil and criminal court procedures, legal terminology, and legal documentation requirements.

  • Knowledge of community resources, legal service providers, and systems that support survivors of domestic violence.

ABILITIES:

  • Assist clients in completing protective order applications, family law documents, and other legal forms accurately and efficiently.

  • Maintain professionalism and confidentiality while working with clients experiencing crisis or high-stress situations.

  • Build effective working relationships with court personnel, attorneys, law enforcement, and other legal partners.

  • Communicate legal information clearly and in accessible, trauma-informed language.

  • Manage multiple cases, prioritize tasks, and work independently.

  • Participate in the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) on-call rotation with other shelter staff

SKILLS:

  • Strong advocacy skills, including representing client needs within legal and systems-based settings.

  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

  • Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills.

  • Skilled in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and problem-solving.

  • Proficiency with computers, case management systems, and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

  • Minimum high school diploma

  • Education, background or experience in legal studies, social work or related field.

REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYMENT:

  • Successfully complete a fingerprint, background, and criminal history check

  • Complete a 40 hour online Domestic Violence training provided by WISH through CDVSA.

  • Adhere to all WISH policies, procedures and protocols including confidentiality and code of ethics.

  • Current First Aid/CPR certification or obtain within 30 days of employment.

  • Must have and maintain a current Alaska driver’s license and clean driving record.

  • Current TB clearance or obtain within 30 days.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PEOPLE:

  • Cooperate and interact with WISH staff, volunteers and community agencies with dignity and tact.

  • Will not engage in intimate relationships with a person seeking or receiving services from WISH.

  • Model nonviolent behavior and freedom from substance abuse.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

  • Must adhere to all confidentiality requirements including, but not limited to WISH’s internal policies, requirements of local, state, and federal law necessary to protect the safety, dignity and privacy of persons seeking or receiving services.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Fast paced office environment with moderate to loud noise and frequent, unscheduled interruptions.

  • Periodic exposure to situations where individuals may be a danger to themselves or others.

  • Occasional exposure to hazardous conditions (cigarette smoke, bodily fluids, spills, chemicals and cleaning agents, broken glass, etc.)

WISH is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
Alaska Natives, multi-lingual persons and survivors of domestic violence, child abuse,
or sexual assault are encouraged to apply.

All employment with WISH is at will.
WISH reserves the right to change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

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