Bilingual Victim and Court Advocate at One Place
Job Description
About HICA
The Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (HICA) is one of the most successful social impact organizations in Alabama. For over 25 years, we’ve been a catalyst for empowerment and economic progress for the Latino and immigrant communities. HICA serves more than 4,000 residents annually with high-quality services and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Our work spans family and legal services, education and workforce readiness, and economic development. We are headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.
Job Summary
The Bilingual-Bicultural Victim and Court Advocate is a full-time role that provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed advocacy to Spanish-speaking survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This position supports survivors in navigating the civil and criminal justice systems through crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, court accompaniment, referrals, and systems advocacy. This role requires a high level of independence, as the Advocate is primarily based in an external office and works with limited direct supervision, managing cases independently while maintaining communication with internal teams. The Advocate also collaborates with community partners to improve access to justice, safety, and supportive services while maintaining confidentiality and clear boundaries around legal representation.
Reports to: Strong Families Program Manager
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Term: Temporary, Grant funded through end of 2027
Location: One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center and HICA
Related Duties and Responsibilities:
Direct Services:
· Provides direct services to participants through various platforms.
· Provides trauma-informed advocacy services, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, peer support, case management, and referrals for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
· Educates survivors about their rights, available legal and civil remedies, victim services, and community resources that can address their immediate and long-term needs.
· Assists survivors in accessing law enforcement services, filing police reports, and obtaining Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and domestic violence forensic examinations when requested by the survivor.
· Facilitates communication and advocates for meaningful language access with criminal justice agencies, healthcare providers, social service organizations, and other community partners.
· Assists survivors with completing Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions and other victim-related court documents while maintaining clear boundaries regarding legal advice and legal representation.
· Provides court and systems accompaniment for Limited English Proficient (LEP) survivors
· Establishes professional boundaries with clients, community partners, and criminal justice stakeholders.
· Documents services provided, maintains accurate case records, and ensures timely data entry and reporting in accordance with program, grant, and agency requirements.
Advocacy, Outreach, and Organizational Representation:
· Represents HICA and One Place at community events, meetings, and outreach activities.
· Conducts outreach and educational presentations to increase awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, victim rights, and available services.
· Supports HICA’s and One Place’s advocacy efforts to improve access to services and resources for Hispanic/Latino and Limited English Proficient (LEP) survivors.
· Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with community partners, service providers, and criminal justice agencies to support coordinated services for survivors.
· Travel locally and out of town for conferences, trainings, meetings, and organizational events as assigned.
Record-Keeping and General Responsibilities:
· Prepares and submits required reports and participates in regular supervision meetings
· Attends required staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education activities.
· Adheres to all HICA and One Place policies and procedures, including confidentiality requirements, ethical standards, and organizational values.
· Works collaboratively with team members and community partners to support program goals and service delivery.
· Attend, support, and participate in organizational fundraising and special events as required.
· Provides occasional front desk coverage as needed.
· Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
· Bilingual (Spanish/English) with strong written and verbal communication skills.
· Bachelor's degree in a social sciences field preferred, or equivalent relevant work experience.
· Excellent interpersonal, organizational, documentation, and record-keeping skills.
· Self-motivated, trustworthy, and able to solve problems independently.
· Ability to work with a high level of initiative, accountability, and self-direction in a minimally supervised setting
· Commitment to social justice, victim advocacy, and serving diverse communities.
· Strong customer service skills and a client-centered approach.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
· Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed.
Compensation:
Competitive annual salary of $48K-$50k plus excellent benefits package that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield Health and Dental (Vision optional) paid at 100% for employee with coverage starting on first day of employment, 3 weeks’ PTO, plus 11 paid holidays, 1-week mid-year & 2 weeks closure at end of year, & Simple IRA Plan with 3% HICA match after one year of service.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to Angelica Melendez, Strong Families Program Manager, [email protected]. Please apply as soon as possible.
HICA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama hires the most qualified candidates without regard to any person’s race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, military discharge status, or source of income.
Pay: $48,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
