Survivors First, Legal Navigator
Share
Job Location:
Seattle, OR - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Survivors FIRST (Facilitating Information and Resources for Survivors of Trauma) is a collaborative initiative with the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. The program supports survivor-defendants of gender-based violence individuals who have experienced abuse and are also navigating related criminal charges by connecting them to intervention services as an alternative to prosecution.
This program centers those most impacted by systemic inequities particularly Black and African American women and other survivors of color and works to address racial disproportionality in the criminal legal system through culturally responsive trauma-informed support.
As a Legal Navigator you will provide trauma-informed client-centered advocacy to survivors of gender-based violence who are navigating both the criminal and civil legal systems. You will work with individuals who are often furthest from opportunity supporting them through complex legal processes while connecting them to resources that promote safety stability and long-term well-being.
This role is deeply rooted in social justice and requires the ability to think critically about the intersections of racism poverty and gender-based violence. You will play a key role in advancing equitable outcomes for survivors while building strong partnerships across legal and community systems
Note: This position is fully onsite and includes regular presence in YWCA offices and community
settings across Seattle and South King County.
Expectations of your role:
Support survivors in navigating both criminal and civil legal systems including court accompaniment referrals and guidance on matters such as protection orders family law landlord-tenant issues immigration and CPS cases
Partner closely with the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office and other legal professionals to coordinate care staff cases and support survivors through hearings and legal processes
Conduct outreach and build relationships with community partners including legal systems public health and social service agencies to increase access to services and referrals
Provide advocacy and connection to resources for survivors across community settings including direct support to individuals who are incarcerated through engagement within jail systems as needed
Deliver community education and presentations on gender-based violence with a focus on prevention awareness and supporting marginalized communities
Facilitate or co-facilitate healing circles or support groups for survivors
Complete client intakes promptly to ensure survivors can access services without delay recognizing that support is often requested during times of crisis and requires a high level of responsiveness
Maintain accurate timely and audit-ready client documentation across required systems ensuring case notes time tracking and reporting are clear thorough and up to date
Participate in ongoing professional development including required advocacy-based training and continuing education
Actively engage in YWCAs Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) contributing to a workplace and service model grounded in equity and inclusion
Follow all safety protocols and actively participate in emergency preparedness and training activities
Must haves to be successful:
Degree in Criminal Justice Psychology or a related field with at least one (1) year of experience working with survivors of gender-based violence; OR two (2) to three (3) years of experience (professional or lived expertise) working with survivors of gender-based violence
Knowledge of criminal and civil legal systems including protection orders family law and related processes
Strong advocacy skills and ability to navigate multiple systems (e.g. legal housing public benefits CPS)
Knowledge of community resources in King County and surrounding areas
Demonstrated ability to manage crisis situations while maintaining professional boundaries
Experience working with communities of color with a demonstrated commitment to anti-racist practice and an understanding of how racism culture and systemic inequitiesincluding the intersection of racism and povertyimpact survivors experiences
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and multidisciplinary teams
Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
Intermediate computer skills including Microsoft Office and data entry systems
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to travel throughout King County; valid drivers license and access to a vehicle required
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Completion of 20 hours of domestic violence advocacy training within 30 days of hire (preferred at time of hire
Hours Rate and Benefits
Hourly Pay Rate: Starting at $28.00
Full time 40 hours per week
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification: Non-exempt
Excellent benefits package including medical insurance retirement plan plus generous vacation holiday and sick leave plans.
At the time of hire employees may choose to voluntarily enroll in the Fidelity 403b Plan. Typically after two years of employment employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA Retirement Fund.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential performing this job the employee:
All positions at YWCA of Seattle King Snohomish are exposed to clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms including but not limited to: domestic violence sexual violence homelessness unemployment financial hardship etc. As a result staff are at risk of secondary trauma. Employees are encouraged to seek external support and maintain self-care when working indirectly or directly with clients
Ability to communicate effectively with clients colleagues and community partners in person by phone and through written communication
Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment including typing data entry and use of case management systems for extended periods
Ability to remain stationary for periods of time while completing documentation virtual meetings and administrative tasks
Ability to move within office environments and community settings including courts partner agencies and correctional facilities
Ability to travel locally throughout King County to attend meetings court hearings outreach events and client-related activities
Ability to position oneself to access files office equipment and materials which may include occasional reaching bending or lifting of light items (generally up to 10 pounds)
Ability to respond to and manage situations that may involve heightened emotional or crisis conditions in a professional and supportive manner
About Company
YWCA is on a mission to empower women, eliminate racism & strengthen communities. Learn more about our vision, events, locations & programs.
