LEGAL ADVOCATE Passaic County – Full-time 35 hours per week – HIRING BONUS AVAILABLE

JBWS is a private, nonprofit agency that provides safety, support, and solutions for abuse for anyone who faces the issues of intimate partner abuse regardless of severity of the abuse, marital status, income, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, or ethnicity. The vision of JBWS is to create a community-wide culture that refuses to tolerate the presence of any form of intimate partner violence. Empowerment of its victims and advocacy for social reform are at the heart of our mission, and we are committed to advocating for the change necessary to achieve justice, equity, and inclusivity within our organization, our community, and the systems with which we work on behalf of our clients. More than 75 paid staff and nearly 200 volunteers work together with the help of the community to fulfill the agency mission.

JBWS recognizes the impact of the work done in our space and is committed to staff wellness. Our W.I.S.H. (Wellness Initiative Supporting Health) initiative focuses on the 8 dimensions of wellness, including physical, emotional, and mental, to support and educate our staff.

About the role

JBWS is seeking a dynamic, committed full-time Legal Advocate to work in the Passaic County Program, primarily on-site within the county courthouse. The ideal candidate will work compassionately and effectively with diverse clients around various needs as a result of domestic violence. This person will assist individuals who experience domestic violence with obtaining the protection provided under the law, as well as support and advocacy services. This individual will have knowledge and understanding of the experiences of marginalized communities, working collaboratively and flexibly to meet the needs of those served.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal information around the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) and related statutes to individuals.
• Assist survivors to file complaints and/or attend court/legal proceedings.
• Provide advocacy relevant to individual needs and assist clients in making informed decisions.
• Accompany survivors to legal proceedings.
• Plan and assist in the implementation of educational legal information sessions.
• Document statistics related to clients serviced.
• Establish and maintain a professional demeanor in court and with court staff.
• Demonstrate ability to work under pressure and respond appropriately to crisis and stressful situations.
• Actively contribute to a positive team environment and provide the collaboration needed for high-quality services to survivors.

Requirements

• BA in Social Work or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of three years providing case management services.
• Fluent bilingual English/Spanish ability (verbal, written, and reading) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with community partners, including court personnel.
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Culturally aware and sensitive to challenges faced, particularly in marginalized populations.

Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site position, weekdays during day hours.

Pay

Full-time salary range of $52,000 to $55,000 based on experience.

Benefits

• Employee wellness program (W.I.S.H. initiative).
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and long-term disability (LTD) insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 403B retirement plan.
• Generous time off.