Position Summary: The Bilingual (Spanish) Family Law Attorney oversees the implementation of the Legal Assistance to Victims’ (LAV) Grant, a program funded by the Office on Violence against Women (OVW)*.  Through this grant, the Bilingual Family Law Attorney provides direct representation of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, by using a range of civil and legal strategies. The Bilingual Family Law Attorney works closely with the Staff/Managing Attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist to provide crucial legal representation to victims in the Family Law area and related legal fields.

Essential Job Functions: 

1. Program Administration

• Oversee all grant-based legal services, including legal screenings, direct services, court accompaniment and community-client outreach
• Ensure excellence in direct representation, legal advice and referrals for civil and criminal legal services for sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking victims – including issues related to sexual assault and privacy, immigration, safety, financial compensation, housing, employment, education, child custody, child support, divorce and restraining orders - for all grant-based programs
• Ensure that clients receive comprehensive victim advocacy - including danger assessment, safety planning, crisis counseling, court accompaniment, and assistance accessing community resources
• Review grant reporting requirements and work with Bilingual Legal Advocate to capture required data, pull reports and manage client caseload efficiently
• Develop screening and referral protocols to ensure that 51% of the clients served through the grant are victims of sexual assault.
• Provide regular outreach to other community organizations and partners to ensure a steady stream of referrals
• Strategize and track legal outcomes in cases for further review with Staff/Managing Attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist on a weekly basis;

 2.  Direct Service

• Provide direct legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and dating violence and stalking in Sacramento County, including legal representation and consults via phone and in-person appointments
• Screen and counsel victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking  to determine eligibility for services and appropriate remedies
• When needed, provide advice and representation both in court and through demand letters in landlord/tenant, employment, education and privacy law matters;
• Provide direct representation as counsel of record for high-risk victims with complex cases
• Ensure empowering, professional relationships with clients to create an atmosphere of empathy, safety, and support
• Develop client safety plans and provide appropriate referrals
• Provide legal assistance and/or representation with domestic violence and civil harassment restraining orders, including other Family Law based legal action that may be appropriate like custody, support orders, etc.
• Assist with preparation of court documents and filing;
• Provide legal services to clients at WEAVE’s confidential shelter as necessary;
• Work to eliminate barriers to service, particularly for victims from historically oppressed communities

 3. Best Practices & Grants Compliance

• Complete required documentation – including monthly reports, grant reports, and administrative paperwork – thoroughly and in a timely manner
• Administer the LAV grant’s legal services in compliance with standards for service delivery, documentation, and reporting set by California’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault laws, California State Bar rules and regulations, and protocols from the Office on Violence Against Women
• Ensure the quality of services reflects best practices. Oversee and provide staff training in best practices with regard to the duties of a Bilingual Legal Advocate
• Attend OVW sponsored training that supports victim-based interventions and best practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality of all sexual assault and domestic violence victims  are protected and consent forms are signed when coordinating services for individuals or families with other entities
• Ensure that all client files and documentation are accurate and complete Advocate for the empowerment, self-agency, and independence of victims according to their wishes to the fullest extent possible
• Document work efforts to develop more effective ways to reach and serve minority and under-served populations
• Carry out special projects and other duties as assigned

Qualifications:  

• Member in good standing of the State Bar of California
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Minimum one year experience in courtroom deliberations and extensive knowledge of evidence code required, two years preferred.
• Ability to work with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, who are in crisis;
• Ability to clearly and simply communicate legal terms and procedures to clients;
• Ability to collaborate with other agencies;
• Strong in the areas of oral and written communication, positive interpersonal relationship skills, and demonstrated leadership;
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Google applications (Gmail and Google Docs) and online research required. Comfort in computer network environment;
• Adaptability and flexibility while working in a dynamic work environment;
• Must demonstrate an acceptance and respect for diversity in all of its forms – including ethnic and cultural diversity, sexual orientation, gender identity, abilities, and religious backgrounds. Ability to work collaboratively in an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse environment;
• Successfully complete WEAVE’s peer counselor training program (post-hiring requirement); and meet continuing education requirements to maintain ongoing status as a Peer Counselor
• Valid California Driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current proof of vehicle insurance

*This position is a three-year position made possible by grant funding received from the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice, for the Legal Assistance to Victim’s grant. 

WEAVE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability and 401k.  We also offer paid time off (PTO), Extended Sick Leave, and 11 paid holidays. 

To apply: https://OnePoint.EmployerNet.net/ta/WEAVE.jobs?ApplyToJob=134406978

WEAVE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.