Coordinator of Legal Services

Job Title: Coordinator of Legal Services Reports to: Manager of Community & System Advocacy Classification: Hourly, non-exempt Language: Bilingual English/Spanish Who We Are Our mission is to end domestic violence in the moment and for all time. In 1971, our founder Bea Robinson Mendez, concerned about the lack of services and options for domestic violence survivors, gathered a small group of her friends to figure out a solution. They set up a shelter in a garage and established a hotline number to provide information and support to survivors. Unbeknownst to them, it would become the second domestic violence agency in California and the first bilingual domestic violence shelter in the nation. So began the story of Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence (NDS). Domestic violence is the most prevalent form of gender-based violence, often the most frequently reported crime and arguably the one with the greatest damaging effect on our families, youth, and communities. We are the only stand-alone, domestic violence agency in Santa Clara County, answering approximately 15,000 crisis calls and serving an average of 3,000 survivors of domestic violence annually. Our comprehensive, compassionate, bilingual and multicultural services are available free of charge to all individuals across the gender spectrum and of varying abilities. By joining NDS, you become part of a team that serves thousands, uplifts community models of support, and looks first for a way to say “yes.” NDS is a place where inclusion, diversity, equity, access, liberation (IDEAL) are not just celebrated, but they are central to our existence. We are emerging from the pandemic in a stage of rapid reflection, and change, which means exciting new opportunities are opening up for forming transformative community partnerships, nurturing our staff, and growing our team. Culture and Climate NDS has developed a supportive workplace culture where personal and professional connections are valued and facilitated. Our guiding values are: · Oneness & Connectedness · Survivor & Community Centered · Compassionate Accountability · Equity & Justice · Inclusion for Liberation Overview: The Legal Coordinator is an integral member of the legal team and is responsible for ensuring Legal Advocate work activities align with the program needs, including legal advocacy, assistance with restraining orders, court preparation and accompaniment, peaceful contact workshops and presence in Criminal Court on a weekly basis. The Coordinator will also coordinate outside attorney activities and provide crucial guidance and direction to Legal Advocates as needed on risk assessment, safety planning, legal advocacy and preparation of temporary restraining orders especially with difficult situations and complex cases. This position will set the standard for quality across the agency by serving as a role model as well as a foundational trainer. Along with the other Coordinators and the Associate Directors, this position will play an important role in ensuring the community receives vital support services. Your ability to communicate, stay organized and share your expertise will help create a healthy environment that supports our organization as we work to support survivors and create a safer community. Key Responsibilities: Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description. These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed. Coordinate schedules for Legal Advocates to ensure adequate coverage for TRO appointments, court preparation sessions, peaceful contact workshops, presence in court and mobile advocacy Providing extensive, survivor-centered safety planning and risk assessment counseling to participants, focusing on complex survivor situations and cases in an experienced and organizational values-based manner Create and facilitate legal team meetings in support of advocate training, organizational communications, organizational values, and strategic initiatives Create and participate in training of advocates, community, and partners, including outreach requests and domestic violence counselor training Create and maintain appropriate participant records, notes, and documentation, including database entry Serve as a lead and a resource for the Legal team, including coordinating and leading team meetings for the purpose of case consultation, information, and Advocate support with difficult and complex complicated situations Collaborate with other coordinators to ensure quality service Back up for emergencies related to survivors, community office and shelter Support the training of new Community Support Advocates regarding legal and court information Represent NDS with exceptional expertise and poise in related ongoing and individual community meetings, as appropriate Participate in community committees and liaison with other DV and community agencies As needed, liaison with local law enforcement agencies to ensure appropriate access to domestic violence survivors Work with other leadership to provide strategic thinking to support NDS in better meeting the needs of the survivors and ensure seamless system of well-coordinated services Advocate for participants and work collaboratively with values-aligned systems, courts, county departments and other related agencies Facilitate and lead team meetings, focusing on legal/court training and complex cases Work with Community and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to create, maintain and ensure a steady use of trained community volunteers is utilized and actualized Support, create, and maintain a working environment that aligns with the organizations’ values Maintain up-to-date knowledge and education related to domestic violence laws, trends, and other related topics Attend all supervision, internal and external meetings decided by the team, including All Hands, 1:1 Check-ins, full leadership, and Direct Service meetings Maintain efficient, timely, and values-aligned communication through calls, messaging, email, and chat for participants and collaborative staff Create and navigate “warm“ referrals/resources/connections with community in order foster connection and to meet participant needs Serve as emergency backup for issues related to survivors, staffing, community office, mobile advocacy, and shelter Perform other duties as assigned