Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney – Barbara J. Hart Justice Center (Project of WRC)

The Barbara J. Hart Justice Center, a project of WRC, is seeking a Staff Attorney (Spanish-speaking preferred, but not required).

The Staff Attorney will represent survivors of domestic and sexual violence in family law, immigration, housing, and consumer debt matters in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties, Pennsylvania.

Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Commitment to serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence
• Spanish language proficiency preferred but not required

What We Offer:
The Justice Center provides a challenging and rewarding opportunity for attorneys to develop litigation skills and gain expertise in family law and the specialized field of domestic and sexual violence advocacy.

How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to: deniseb@wrcnepa.org.

Counselor Advocate

HOURS: Full Time

CATEGORY: Professional Staff, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Lackawanna County Program Manager

PRIMARY FUNCTION:     Provides Crisis and Advocacy services in a manner consistent with the mission of WRC and in full compliance with all policies and procedures of the agency.  Works with other staff to assure quality service delivery of services in a way that is just, safe, self directed and restorative.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. 1. *Provides crisis intervention, individual and group empowerment counseling to program participants.  Facilitate WRC support groups for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
2. 2. *Respond to initial contacts by program participants with the agency, prioritize requests for service based on critical needs, provide immediate support, information and linkages all WRC services as needed.
3. 3. *Develop and monitor service plans for program participants.  Make appropriate referrals to other agencies when necessary.
4. 4. *Answer agency hotlines and respond to crisis situations involving program participants.  Provide accompaniment to police, hospitals, and courts.
5. 5. *Act as an advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence with the legal system, medical system and social service system.
6. 6. *Maintain client case records and communicate essential information in appropriate logs in accordance with WRC policy and procedures.
7. 7.  *Act as a resource person for staff in the areas of sexual assault and domestic violence. 
8. 8.  *Act as an agency on call worker.
9. 9.  *Prepare and deliver in-service programs and training for agency volunteers.
10. 10. *Pursue ongoing training and education regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, feminist theory, community resources and other related topics.
11. 11. Participate in the agency’s community education and awareness programs.
12. 12.   *Maintain organization of the agency facility and group meeting space. Enforce policies, rules, and safety procedures with group members.
13. 13. *Attend staff meetings, participate in in-service training and attend related professional activities as assigned to meet annual training requirements established by funders and coalitions.
14. 14. Other duties to the support the overall operation of the organization and reflect the team effort necessary to provide quality programs in a crisis setting.

COUNSELOR ADVOCATE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be willing to schedule working hours to coincide with the priorities of the Center.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field or
• A combination of four years education, experience and skill in working with victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
• Applicant must successfully complete the WRC crisis intervention training within six months of hire.
• Travel is necessary and access to reliable transportation is essential, including for training and development which may necessitate being out of the area for a period of time over night stays.
• Pass Act 33 and Act 34 Clearances.
• Must be willing to schedule working hours to coincide with the priorities of the Center.

How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to: Lorii@wrcnepa.org.

Economic & Housing Advocate

HOURS: Full Time

CATEGORY: Professional Staff, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Economic & Housing Program Manager

PRIMARY FUNCTION:     Provide case management, crisis intervention, and empowerment counseling to WRC Safe Housing Program participants, including emergency safe housing, TH and RRH; advocate for program participants within the housing and welfare systems, economic and career focused institutions and other related areas. Assist program participants in navigating systems, and conduct advocacy with various systems to ensure response to the needs of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and/or trafficking. Assist the Housing & Economic Program Manager in advancing the WRC’s response to the economic and housing needs of survivors.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. 1. Respond to calls for assistance and information from program participants in the Safe Housing Program and on the hotline. Provide crisis intervention and act as an advocate with legal, medical and social service systems. Assess for needs and provide trauma informed survivor-centered advocacy and goal planning, along with information, accompaniment, resources, support and referrals to address economic well-being, housing, and safety.
2. 2. Complete a History of Abuse with each survivor; assesses safety risks for the survivor and her children, WRC advocates and others; and, develop a service plan.
3. 3. Facilitate relationships between hotel staff and/or landlords with safe house program participants. Coordinate initial rental property inspection and lease signing with landlords.
4. 4. Facilitate economic stability by providing referral, advocacy and accompaniment to organizations and institutions that address budget and credit counseling, career and educational development, housing needs, and other related economic needs.
5. 5. Assist victims with transportation needs through distribution of gas vouchers, bus passes, and taxi fare for survivors to receive services at WRC and/or access other resources necessary to increase economic well-being or to obtain permanent housing.
6. 6. Provide support, information and educational materials at weekly Economic &
7. Housing meeting.
8. 7.  Coordinate initial rental property inspection and lease signing with landlords. 
9. 8.  Oversee furniture and food purchase, storage, and distribution. Respond to donation calls and maintain related records.
10. 9.  Coordinate, schedule and facilitate Economic and Housing group meetings with survivors and their children as assigned.
11. 10. Coordinate and offer access to available resources to provide for moving expenses, household furnishings, phone minutes, document/application fees for licensees, birth c certificates, identification, etc., childcare, employment/school costs, and uniforms for children and/or career needs.
12. 11. Maintain client records and assist with data collection and funding reports as required.
13. 12. Conduct exit interviews and develop follow-up service plans.
14. 13. Coordinate services to program participants with the Economic Advocacy Team and orient and supervise Safe Housing Program volunteers as assigned.
15. 14. Engage in weekly supervisory meetings with the Economic Advocacy Director to brainstorm options for individual victims and receive supervision to enhance skills.
    15. Participate on community coalitions and task forces to represent the economic and housing needs of victims.
    16. Educate WRC staff throughout the agency and provide expertise on economic and housing needs of victims.
    17. Attend staff meetings; participate in in-service training and related professional activities as assigned.
    18. Provide on call service.
    19. Other duties as assigned.

ECONOMIC AND HOUSING ADVOCATE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field, or
• Combination of four years education and experience and skill in working with victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
• Applicant must successfully complete the WRC crisis intervention training within six months of hire.
• Travel is necessary and access to reliable transportation is essential, including for training and development.
• Must be willing to schedule working hours to coincide with the priorities of the Center.
• Must pass Act 33, Act 34, and FBI background clearances.

How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to: Tessaw@wrcnepa.org.

Legal Advocate

HOURS: Full Time

CATEGORY: Professional Staff, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Lackawanna County Program Manager

PRIMARY FUNCTION:     Provide crisis intervention and empowerment counseling to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in a manner consistent with the mission of WRC and in full compliance with all policies and procedures of the agency. Advocate for program participants within the civil and criminal justice system and other related areas to help program participants navigate systems and ensure systems are responsive to needs of domestic violence and sexual assault victims.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. 1. *Provide, by telephone or in-person, direct services including but not limited to: crisis response, support, advocacy, accompaniment (legal or medical), case management, individual counseling, facilitation of support groups, and information and referrals. Develop and monitor individual service plans with each individual program participant. Plan for and provide safe follow-up contact.
2. 2. *Act as an advocate for program participants within legal, medical and other systems.
3. 3. *Assist program participants in assessing their needs related to the legal system. Provide support and information regarding legal options. 
4. 4. *Assess with program participants on an on-going basis their safety risks specific to involvement with the legal system.
5. 5. *Conduct systems advocacy as planned by supervisor to improve the response to victims in all relevant systems including the community, law enforcement, courts, law profession, and social service organizations.
6. 6. *Provide information and educational materials to program participants preparing for court filings or legal proceedings including but not limited to judicial protocols and court process/procedure   
7. 7.  *Develop, update and distribute resource materials regarding victim’s compensation, victim’s rights, judicial system protocols, state and federal laws, pending legislation and public policy, and other related topics.  
8. 8.  *Maintain program participant case records in accordance with WRC policies and procedures.
9. 9.  *Uphold the mission of WRC and abide by WRC policies and procedures outlined in WRC General Operating Manual.
10. 10. Develop educational materials for legal professionals, court personnel, district justices, and law enforcement officers.  Participate in training seminars as assigned.
11. 11. Establish and maintain working relationships with court and legal system personnel. 
12. 12. Update staff regarding court schedules, court system protocols, and other related activity.
13. 13. *Participate in trainings required by funding sources and WRC. 
14. 14. *Participate in WRC legal advocacy team meetings.
    15. Participate in WRC staff meetings, in-service training, and organization activities as assigned.
    16. Participate in advocacy activities on a local level including but not limited to the Lackawanna County Domestic Violence Task Force.
    17. Participate in advocacy activities on a local, state and national level, specifically joining  committees addressing legal advocacy established by PCAR. PCADV, and/or PCCD. 
15. 18. Other duties as assigned to further the safety and security of the person being served.

*Indicates the essential job functions as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

COUNSELOR ADVOCATE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field or 
• A combination of four years education, experience and skill in working with victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. 
• Applicant must successfully complete the WRC crisis intervention training within six months of hire. 
• Travel is necessary and access to reliable transportation is essential, including for training and development which may necessitate being out of the area for a period of time over night stays.
• Pass Act 33,  Act 34 and FBI Clearances.
• Must be willing to schedule working hours to coincide with the priorities of the Center.

How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to: Lorii@wrcnepa.org.