Poisition Summary

Family Violence Project (FVP) seeks an advocate to provide direct services to those affected by domestic abuse in Kennebec and Somerset counties. Legal Advocates will work closely with Pine Tree Legal, the District Attorney’s office, and other community partners to assist clients with civil and criminal legal needs in the Augusta, Skowhegan and Waterville district courts. These advocates will participate in multi-disciplinary collaborations and High-Risk Response Teams, and will participate in training, either as an attendee or trainer, to strengthen the capacity of local organizations to provide compassionate and holistic services to victims. Legal Advocates will attend their assigned district court(s) on days that protection order hearings are scheduled, providing advocacy, information, and support services to those in attendance who are affected by domestic abuse; they will also attend other courts and/or court proceedings, to include criminal and family court proceedings, as necessary based on client need and advocate availability. Legal Advocates will network with area services providers to establish connections and gain/maintain knowledge of resources to better assist those with whom they are working. Maintaining current and accurate records is an integral part of these positions, as is the reporting of data as required by funders.

Work Environment:

This is a full-time, 32-hour per week non-exempt position with a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm schedule; each day includes a half hour unpaid lunch break. The schedule will include occasional on-call responsibilities in relation to the agency’s 24-hour helpline and may include some evenings and weekends. This position will be based out of FVP’s Augusta office and will include regular weekly travel to district courts throughout Kennebec and Somerset counties for court advocacy, collaborative community meetings, agency meetings, etc. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit (including prolonged sitting), talk, and listen. The employee is also required to operate a computer using a standard keyboard and mouse; use a fax machine, printer, scanner, and copier; and communicate using a telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

The Ideal Candiate:

The successful candidates will possess knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on victims and the community. Experience in, and/or knowledge of, the civil, family, and criminal court systems is a must for these positions. Demonstrated skills and experience in crisis intervention, human relations, and conflict resolution are also necessary. Time management skills are required, as is the ability to prioritize work demands to meet client needs and emergencies. The successful candidate will interact harmoniously with others, communicating respectfully and effectively through excellent listening, oral, and written communication skills. The person in this position must be able to work collaboratively as well as independently, handle emergencies in a calm manner, and de-escalate situations. Applicants should be proficient in the use of Microsoft, particularly Outlook, Word, and One Drive. Data entry and reporting experience is helpful.

Job Requirements:

A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required for these positions. Applicants must undergo fingerprinting upon hire and pass state and federal criminal history checks, as well as checks done through sex offender registries, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in human services, social work, or a related field is preferred but is not required; those with relevant skills and work / life experience are encouraged to apply. All new employees are required to participate in a thorough orientation process which includes successful completion of Family Violence Project’s Crisis Advocacy, Intervention, Response and Ethics Training for New Advocates.

Pay & Benefits:

Excellent benefits are provided for the employee, including free health insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Vision, dental and supplemental insurances, as well as health insurance for dependents, are available at cost. Benefits also include paid time off (beginning with three weeks of accrued time per year), fourteen paid holidays each year, and a 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match. Mileage for travel outside of one’s regular commute is provided. The starting pay range for this position is $37,024 annually ($22.25 per hour) to $44,428 annually ($26.70 per hour), based on experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This position will remain open until it is filled. When applying, please state ‘Augusta’ in your cover letter and/or email subject line. Provide your resume and personalized cover letter to:

Search Committee, Legal Advocate
PO Box 304, Augusta, ME 04332-0304
or jmooney@familyviolenceproject.org

RESUMES WITHOUT PERSONALIZED COVER LETTERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by law.