About Heartly House
Heartly House has served the Frederick County community for over 40 years, providing comprehensive services to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. Our programs are rooted in trauma-informed, client-centered care with a mission to end abuse and empower survivors through prevention, intervention, and advocacy.
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Position Summary
Heartly House Legal Services (“HHLS”) is dedicated to utilizing the legal system to provide safety and autonomy to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and/or human trafficking. Our legal services include, but are not limited to, providing answers on navigating the legal system and representation at protective order hearings and family law cases.
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Key Responsibilities
- Perform legal intakes for clients requesting legal services. Assess client for immediate physical and emotional safety concerns.
- Present client cases and evidence to Attorneys to determine whether HHLS can/should represent the client in their court proceedings.
- Help clients complete court forms for civil (protective order and family law) relief.
- Provide accompaniment and crisis support for victims of domestic violence navigating the court system.
- Accompany client to courthouse for pro se filing assistance, civil matter accompaniments, and criminal accompaniments.
- Provide information to clients regarding court system, hospital, courthouse, and police procedures and act as liaison when appropriate.
- Assist clients with registering for VINE protective order and/or criminal notifications.
- Safety plan with clients, utilizing HHLS materials and, if needed, work with HHLS team members to create a plan tailored to the client’s particular needs and risks.
- Collaborate with community partners when appropriate.
- Develop and utilize skills to provide high quality and trauma-informed legal services to victims.
- Where appropriate, refer clients to other sources of assistance and, with client permission, coordinate those services with the legal department.
- Maintain accurate, confidential client notes, evidence, and pleadings within the HHLS database and file management system.
- Comply with grant requirements through meticulous documentation.
- Adhere to Heartly House philosophy, policies and procedures.
- Attend monthly staff meetings.
- Maintain client confidentiality. Uphold all principles of legal ethics.
- Other duties as assigned by Lead Victim Advocate and/or Director of Legal Services.
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Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated commitment to, or interest in, legal services for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and/or human trafficking.
- Demonstrated commitment to learning about trauma, cultural humility, implicit bias, and the effect all may have on victims and survivors served by HHLS.
- Required ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
- Required ability to treat clients with compassion and empathy while recognizing the legal system’s limited definitions of “abuse.”
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems.
- Required ability to perform tasks independently or collaboratively depending on the client’s situation.
- Needed ability to adapt to an outgoing and eccentric, but dedicated, office environment where team members are affirmed and celebrated for their individuality.
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Preferred Qualifications
- Priority given to minimum of one (1) year experience solely dedicated to clients experiencing domestic violence, rape/sexual assault, child abuse, and/or human trafficking.
- Knowledge of MDEC.
- Knowledge of legal ethics, particularly attorney-client privilege and unauthorized practice of law.
- Fluency in Spanish.
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Training & Requirements
- Successful completion of all required Heartly House Learning Management System (LMS) courses upon hire.
- Ongoing participation in continuing education and professional development.
- Compliance with all internal policies, procedures, and certification requirements as outlined by Heartly House and relevant authorities.
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Benefits
Heartly House offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and professional development. Benefits may include:
- Paid time off (PTO) and 12 observed holidays
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401K Retirement plan
- Ongoing training and certification support
- Meaningful, mission-driven work that makes a difference in the community
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
