CORA - Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse is seeking a Legal Advocate to provide essential legal advocacy services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, focusing on family law issues like restraining orders, divorce, and child custody, as well as related criminal law matters. The Legal Advocate will provide legal information and referrals, assist in preparing legal documents and correspondence, accompany clients to court proceedings, and support volunteer coordination efforts.

about CORA - Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse

As the only agency in San Mateo County with the sole purpose of serving those experiencing intimate partner abuse, CORA provides safety, support and healing. CORA’s comprehensive services include a 24-hour hotline, collaboration with law enforcement, emergency shelter options, legal services and family-centered mental health therapy. In addition, CORA provides community education and prevention programming throughout the county. CORA is a multicultural agency committed to serving individuals, regardless of age, ethnicity/race, financial status, language, sexual orientation, immigration status, class, religion, gender, gender expression, mental or physical ability.

Qualifications

Bilingual in oral and written English/Spanish required.
Ability to comprehend and analyze legal information, including statutes, and to explain it in an understandable way to clients.

Knowledge of family and criminal court systems.
Knowledge of and experience with providing trauma-informed services.
Demonstrated ability to work with all persons regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, economic background, immigration status or sexual orientation.
Demonstrated ability to provide culturally competent services and work with a diverse staff and clientele in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner.

BA degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the provision of social services.

Completion of the 40-hour training mandated by the California Office of Emergency Services. Candidates who have not completed the 40-hour training will be required to do so and will be provided by CORA.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Valid CA Driver’s license, insurance and ability to drive own vehicle for work purposes to travel within San Mateo County.
- Background check, including fingerprinting clearance from the Department of Justice.
- Demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States.

Responsibilies

Assist survivors in completing and filing family court paperwork.
Provide supportive services including legal information and referrals to survivors in-person and via CORA’s legal information line.
Provide court accompaniment, support, and advocacy for clients at restraining order hearings, mediation appointments, law enforcement interviews, and other legal proceedings.
Provide client-specific advocacy to meet identified client needs, such as contact with other service providers, law enforcement, etc.
Provide help to navigate the civil justice, criminal justice, and social services systems; referrals; follow up services; and ongoing support to victims/survivors.
Communicate tactfully and effectively while advocating for clients with law enforcement, courts, district attorney, and other community agencies.

OTHER DUTIES

Collect and maintain statistical records on services provided, as required by Grants Officer and funders, and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
Support legal team with case management; including serving legal documents by mail, completing forms, opening and closing files, and filing documents at court.
Train, supervise, and coordinate assignments of legal advocacy volunteers.
Maintain the confidentiality of client, staff, volunteer, and agency information.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and other staff.
Maintain collaborative relationships and provide liaison services with the legal community, law enforcement, and court systems.
Provide professional training to groups (staff/volunteers, law enforcement, partner agencies, etc.) and participate in community meetings as assigned by supervisor.
Work closely with other CORA departments in order to best serve clients and the community.
Other duties as assigned.