Legal Advocate

                          Job Description – Legal Advocate

The Legal Victim Advocate performs all job functions in a manner that is trauma informed, culturally competent, and consistent with Tapestri’s mission, values, philosophy, and policies. Provides comprehensive consultations and assists the DOJ Representative on a range of immigration matters, including VAWA self-petitions, U and T Visa petitions, and Adjustment of status

Legal Advocate responsibilities include:

• Performs legal research
• Meets with clients to determine case strategy based on their goals and the law.
• Drafts, reviews and assist the DOJ Representative with filing appropriate immigration applications, such as VAWA, U-Visas, etc.
• Represent Tapestri at local coalition meetings and participate in local and national advocacy initiatives;
• Stay current on relevant immigration laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws and regulations;
• Engage with domestic violence providers to coordinate service delivery and identify/address issues that have an impact on victims
• Provide information to victims of domestic violence about the laws, resources, and services available.
• Attend court with clients to provide emotional support as appropriate.
• Document all interactions with clients and follow up with appropriate documentation in files- accurately and within agency deadline requirements.
• Provide all the above in Spanish and English, with competency of cultural background
• Other duties as assigned
• Abide by professional confidentiality guidelines of organization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish;
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or other trauma;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Experience working with domestic violence survivors required
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team; and
• Must have the ability to work with clients facing difficult immigration issues
• Interpersonal and organizational skills of the highest caliber; as well as excellent writing, research and analytical skills are required;
• Prior experience in the relevant practice areas or in working with immigrant populations will be weighed favorably.
• Family Law and Immigration Law experience required
• Second language is required
• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365);
• Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system and victimology
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural/ethnic diversity of the service population and the needs of special populations

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interviewing skills to accurately assess client needs.
• Knowledgeable about immigration law specifically VAWA, UVISA, Adjustment of status 
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills to assist in the development of strategic partnerships and collaborative projects.
• Must demonstrate an acceptance and respect for cultural diversity in all its forms, including ethnicity, sexual orientation, abilities, and religious backgrounds & demonstrated ability to serve individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.