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Domestic Violence Legal Advocate

City of Columbus
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*POSITION AVAILABLE*

 

PLEASE EMAIL JULIENNE LONG AT JELONG@COLUMBUS.GOV WITH YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME!

Major Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

  • In conjunction with the Prosecuting Attorney, manages a courtroom docket, which includes prepping cases for court, working directly with victims in court.

Interviews victims/witnesses to family violence with awareness and COLUMBUS CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/VICTIMS OF CRIME LEGAL ADVOCATE

Reports to: Director, Domestic Violence/Stalking Unit Section: DV/Stalking Unit

Classification: Legal Advocate, Unclassified

FLSA Status: Nonexempt (overtime eligible)                Compensation Plan: CWA                                               

 

Position Summary:

Under supervision of the Director and the Courtroom Advocacy Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit, is responsible for providing advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and/or stalking, and for preparing the case files to be used by Prosecutors during Municipal Court proceedings; other duties as assigned.

  • Sensitivity to the trauma they have experienced.
  • Thoroughly documents and completes all notes associated with each case, ensuring the notes are pertinent and concise
  • Evaluates each case to determine required documents and information and takes actions necessary to obtain the documents and information, including but not limited to, contacting all agencies and offices that might have needed information.
  • Educates victims regarding safety planning and maintains knowledge of current community resources that might benefit victims of crime. 
  • Assists victims in the courtroom taking appropriate safety measures, keeping the victim informed of the progress of the case, and providing victims with referrals to community resources.
  • Contacts victims prior to court hearings to offer support, to remind them of the hearing, and to determine if there is additional information that may be relevant to the prosecution of the case.
  • Enters relevant data into the Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit database in a timely manner.
  • Acts as liaison for crime victim and the prosecutor.

 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

  • Domestic violence and stalking issues and concepts.
  • Victim advocacy and investigative techniques.
  • The operation of the criminal justice system particularly as it relates to the prosecution of domestic violence and stalking cases.
  • Basic word processing, keyboarding, scanning and data entry.
  • Community referral resources.

 

Ability to:

  • Work independently without direct supervision.
  • Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
  • Organize information provided by others.
  • Effectively maintain good relations during contact with diverse population.
  • Maintain calm in highly charged, crisis situation.
  • Talk to and interview others to obtain or exchange information.
  • Operate a computer for word processing and/or entering data.
  • Follow oral and written instructions.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
  • Maintain confidentiality of privileged information.
  • Work a non-traditional workweek and/or work Saturday mornings.

 

Desirable Education and Experience

  • Completion of two-year college degree; bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Prior experience working with public.
  • Some combination of education and experience, which would provide necessary knowledge and abilities

 

Typical Physical and Mental Demands

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk or hear, and type and reach with hands and arms.
  • Must have the ability to organize and track information.
  • Must use independent judgment to make decisions when addressing issues with victims, attorneys, judges, the public, and co-workers.
  • Ability to work effectively, with teamwork orientation, in daily activities as well as in unique circumstances.
  • Communicate orally with a broad range of people face-to-face, by telephone, and computer.
  • Frequently use office equipment such as digital cameras, computer terminals, printers, copiers, and fax machines.

 

Work Environment

  • Job is performed indoors in an office and courtroom setting and includes extensive work at a computer monitor and with the telephone.
  • Must move from office to court and other offices.
  • There may be some exposure to angry, upset, or hostile individuals.