THE POSITION: The Legal Advocate provides immediate and ongoing safety planning and advocacy to survivors of interpersonal violence in Boulder and Broomfield counties. Their mission is to provide client-directed, trauma-informed, culturally-responsive support to survivors as they navigate legal systems.
SCHEDULE AVAILABILITY:
- Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm or 9am-5pm
- In person primarily in Boulder with some shifts in Broomfield
COMPENSATION: This is a non-exempt, full time position. The salary range is $44,000 - $49,000, depending on your qualifications. An additional $100 per month ($1,200 per year) bilingual pay differential is available for proven Spanish language proficiency. Compensation also includes our standard benefit package, including a medical plan, dental plan, generous vacation, sick leave and holiday time off, reduced rate Eco-Pass, Simple IRA retirement plan with 2% agency contribution, and Employee Assistance Program.
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
Legal Advocacy
- Provide confidential support and safety planning to survivors of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, trafficking, elder abuse, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse.
- Provide services reflecting SPAN’s commitment to being trauma-informed, culturally responsive, client-directed, and strengths-based.
- Connect survivors with information and appropriate community referrals to assist with legal concerns.
- Provide support and assistance throughout legal proceedings, including accompanying clients in court to assist with civil protection orders and other emergency motions.
- Advocate on behalf of survivors who are accessing attorneys through SPAN’s Lawyers for Victims Program (LFVP).
Crisis Intervention and Targeted Community Response
- Efficiently and appropriately respond to survivors at high risk of lethality or serious injury who are referred by law enforcement or other systems-based personnel or community partners.
- Educate victim-survivors about risk factors for homicide and immediately connect them with support and safety planning services including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, housing services, and counseling.
- Collaborate with SPAN Crisis Line staff in troubleshooting implementation of domestic violence risk assessment tools and lead follow up process internally.
- Support Legal Advocacy Director in increasing the effective use of evidence-based lethality assessments and response protocols throughout SPAN's service area.
- Expand access to survivor-centered legal advocacy in Broomfield.
- Attend regular coalition meetings (DARC, DVHRT) to improve community-wide response to high risk cases involving DV/IPV.
Collaboration
- Collaborate with legal service providers and survivor advocacy organizations to improve warm referral processes and efficient advocacy for all survivors.
- Maintain key community partnerships with legal service providers, law enforcement agencies, District Attorney’s Office, court, and jail personnel.
- Participate in community events that support outreach efforts for program and organizational services. Represent SPAN in the community to promote visibility and awareness during events including tabling or presentations. Support program director in providing training and information to partners, stakeholders, and community members.
- Advocate for improved community-wide, systems-level response to domestic violence, especially for immigrant, limited English proficiency, BIPOC, and LGBTQI+ survivors.
- Co-facilitate skill building group within Boulder County Jail in collaboration with SPAN Counseling Team.
WHAT YOU BRING TO US:
Education: 4-year degree in Human Services or in a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Experience: Two years’ progressive experience working with civil and criminal systems and advocating for victims of crime and marginalized populations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Requires strong working knowledge of the dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV) and trauma-informed, survivor-centered service delivery. Knowledge of or experience working with issues at the intersections of IPV, race, class, gender, ability, and sexual orientation strongly preferred. Requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Proven computer skills, including MS Office, are necessary. Salesforce or other database experience preferred. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Proven written and oral communication skills in Spanish are strongly preferred.
ABOUT SPAN: Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN) is a human rights organization committed to ending violence against adults, youth, and children through support, advocacy, education, and community organizing. Operating since 1979, SPAN is the only organization serving Boulder, East Boulder County, and western Broomfield by providing shelter and advocacy for victims of interpersonal violence as well as prevention education initiatives. SPAN is dedicated to the promotion of social justice, diversity, equity, inclusivity, peace and non-violence for all individuals and their families.
SPAN CULTURE: SPAN team members are dedicated and work in a fast-paced environment with full days – including some evenings and weekends – yet remain committed to a healthy work/life balance. While SPAN expects work to be taken seriously, it also knows the importance of having fun and the value of enjoying the work.
Pay: $44,000.00 - $50,200.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
