This is a job listing for Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
About the Agency:
WC&S is a comprehensive domestic violence program annually serving over 7,500 adult and child survivors
of domestic violence & facilitating an intervention program to over 500 people who are abusive. We are
advocates, grounded in fostering a community of safety, healing, and empowerment for anyone affected
by domestic violence. Our Mission is to strengthen our ability to meet the individual and evolving needs
of those affected by domestic violence by investing in the growth of our people, deepening community
engagement, and amplifying the voices of all survivors. All staff learn about and support the organization’s
mission, vision, and values of Safety, Uplifting Others, Compassion, Courage, Equity, Survivor-Centered
Advocacy, and Stewardship.
About the Role:
As a WC&S Legal Advocate, your primary role is to assist clients with legal or justice system issues. You will
provide direct service through legal options counseling, advocacy, and court accompaniment, safety
planning, emotional support, case management, and information & referrals. This role will primarily assist
and accompany victims of domestic violence as they file for temporary Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders
and attend Preliminary Criminal Hearings and Criminal Trials. You will work with clients in person, by
phone, and other technology. The successful candidate is sensitive to trauma and cultural diversity issues
with a passion for ending intimate partner violence. Currently, this role is co-located, with up to three
partial days spent in court in Downtown Pittsburgh, and the remaining time spent in a home office.
This role provides you with the opportunity to showcase your crisis management and problem-solving
skills, work with a diverse group of clients, collaborate with the legal community in Pittsburgh, and
contribute to the organization’s mission in a variety of ways. If you are excited to gain legal, client service,
and systems advocacy experience, care deeply about the issue of intimate partner violence, and are ready
to make a difference in your community then we are eager to hear from you. WC&S will offer you an
environment that provides endless opportunities to advance your knowledge and skills.
Here’s what you will do:
Advocate for victims of intimate partner violence within the legal system by providing legal
options counseling, advocacy, court accompaniment, safety planning, emotional support, and
crisis intervention to clients.
Provide referrals to WC&S services and other community services and provide follow-up
counseling, as needed.
Assist in the development and maintenance of Legal Advocacy Department programs and
procedures, and participate in team and agency meetings.
Participate in speaking presentations and community events, as needed; work collaboratively
with police, prosecutors, and others in the justice system to improve the response to victims
of intimate partner violence.
Develop and strengthen/maintain collaborations and partnerships with service providers and
community organizations.
This position requires being available for regular business hours, 40 hours per week. Currently,
the position is co-located, with up to three partial days spent in court in Downtown Pittsburgh,
and the remaining time spent working remotely.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Here’s what we are looking for:
Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, or related field preferred.
One year of direct service experience in a human service field is required; legal
experience is preferred.
Ability to establish healthy boundaries, trust, respect, and rapport with a diverse population of
clients and legal professionals.
Ability to understand confidentiality and safety procedures.
A demonstration of the understanding of abusive family dynamics, including intimate partner
violence, the cycle of abuse, power, and control dynamic, cultural diversity issues, and child abuse and
neglect.
Proficiency in general technology including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite is required;
familiarity and understanding of information technology, including Salesforce, strongly preferred.
Act 33/34 and FBI Clearances will be required.
WC&S offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including generous paid time off; health,
vision, and dental insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; group life insurance; retirement
plan; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; paid training and professional development
opportunities; and is a Public Service (Student) Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.
WC&S is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring that both applicants and employees
are treated without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity expression, national origin,
age, religion, disability status, sexual orientation/identity, citizenship status, veteran status, marital status
or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming
environment to all.
TO APPLY:
This position will remain open until we find the best candidate. To ensure consideration for an interview,
please send a resume and cover letter in an email with the subject line “Legal Advocate” to
careers@wcspittsburgh.org by end of business on November 12, 2021.