PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Founded in 1967, California Indian Legal Services (CILS) is the oldest public interest Indian rights law firm in the country, promoting the fundamental rights of California tribes and Indians through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, community development, and other strategies for systemic change. CILS provides a full range of legal representation to California Indian tribes and Indian organizations, advocates for the rights of California Indians at the local, state, and national levels, and provides direct services and community education to low-income Native American individuals on issues related to Federal Indian Law. Currently, CILS offers services statewide and maintains four offices throughout California – Eastern (Bishop), Southern (Escondido), Northern (McKinleyville), and Central (Sacramento). This position is in the Southern Field Office, located in Escondido, CA. For additional information about CILS, go to our website at www.calindian.org.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Domestic Violence (DV) Advocate will collaborate with DV Staff Attorneys to provide exceptional services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and sex trafficking cases. The DV Advocate will provide a range of victim services to clients, including crisis intervention and court accompaniment, as well as support the program generally by providing training, participating in outreach events, and preparing grant reports.  Finally, the DV Advocate will work co[SQ1] [LF2] [SQ3] llaboratively with all staff and provide general office support as needed as part of the broader Southern Office team at CILS. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and implement delivery of services to clients, including crisis intervention/safety planning, court accompaniment, criminal justice advocacy, victim advocacy, and other support services. 
• Build and maintain relationships with partner agencies including shelters and other service providers, courts, and law enforcement.  
• Assist attorneys in implementing outreach plans to include conducting trainings, attending outreach events, and hosting clinics at local partner agencies. 
• Provide referrals to victims for shelter, transportation, counseling, emergency clothing, emergency food, etc.
• Provide crisis intervention services to clients over the phone or in person.
• Conduct client intake, participate in case management tasks, and assist attorneys with tasks such as drafting legal documents and other supportive administrative tasks.
• Collaborate with DV Attorneys to collect data, draft grant progress reports, and develop policies and procedures for the program.
• Collaborate with all staff to provide general office support as needed within CILS’ Southern Office.

WAGE:

Competitive wage: $29.61 -$31.00 per hour depending on experience. The DV Advocate is a full-time non-exempt position at 40 hours per work week Monday-Friday. CILS creates job position wage and salary ranges using data from California non-profit legal services annual data sources; employees are placed within a range depending on degrees, certifications, experience, qualifications, and other factors. 

BENEFITS:

CILS provides an extensive benefits package, including:

• Multiple high-quality and low-cost medical plans.
• 100% coverage for the employee and 90% for dependent premiums.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible Medical/Dental, Dependent Care, and Public Transportation expenses.
• 403b retirement plan with employer match.
• 17 paid holidays annually (includes office closure December 24-January 1) plus an additional day for your birthday.
• Vacation time off starting at 13 days accrued per year.
• Sick leave is set at 12 days per year.
• Paid leave for Jury duty/witness, Election Day, Bereavement.
• Free professional development courses and learning opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free mental health services.
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program for eligible positions.
• Supplemental insurance, including additional life and disability coverage.

LOCATION:

This position is in person in the Southern Office (Escondido, CA) Mondays through Fridays with optional teleworking on Mondays and Fridays. 

Qualifications:

Must have

• Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent or 5 years working with Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Sex Trafficking and Stalking, preferably in tribal communities or tribal governments.
• Proficient in understanding Domestic Violence legal proceedings and procedures in state courts and willing to learn Domestic Violence practices and procedures in local Tribal Courts.
• Proficient in office computer software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, and any other applications that are needed to complete goals and objectives of grant).
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with people in varied economic, educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Physical and emotional condition adequate to meet the demands of the assigned workstation and duties (walking, lifting, air travel, sitting);
• Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug-free workplace as a condition of employment funded through a federal grant from the Department of Justice.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly for outreach, court hearings, trainings, and other engagements.
• Ability and willingness to travel overnight for trainings as needed.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license.
• A commitment to providing high quality legal services for Native Americans and others.
• Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate training certificate or willingness to obtain within three months of hire.

Preferred

• Familiarity or experience working with Native Americans, tribes, and communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Indian law.
• Experience working under and reporting for grants.

TO APPLY:

Submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. We will accept applications until we fill the position, but CILS does not accept incomplete applications.