Job description

About The Organization:

Doorways is an Arlington-based non-profit agency helping individuals and families create pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault leading to safe, stable and empowered lives. We envision a community where all people live free of violence and have safe and stable housing regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, abilities, language, or national origin. We see a future without homelessness or domestic and sexual violence.

Doorways began in 1978 when a group of concerned community members saw there was no safe place in Arlington for families in crisis. What began then with one shelter and one response has grown into a series of pathways individually tailored for adults, youth, and children seeking safety and shelter. From immediate crisis intervention to counseling, housing, and employment support, we offer real options and multiple pathways for people of all ages and genders—women, men, youth, and LGBTQIA+ people.

Program Summary:
The Doorways’ Domestic and Sexual Violence (DSV) Program is comprised of multiple areas that are designed to support survivors, from crisis to ongoing support and stability in the community. Through our DSV program, we provide a spectrum of trauma informed, survivor-centered, lifesaving, supportive and educational services to help survivors of all ages learn about their options, increase their safety, and live a life free of violence. These wraparound services enable individuals and families to obtain safety, stability, and self-sufficiency so that they can progress to the next phase of their life. The Court Advocacy program assists survivors of domestic and sexual violence with obtaining immediate and long-term legal protections. With an office at the Arlington County Courthouse, Doorways’ bilingual (Spanish and English) Court Advocates provide education about the legal system, accompaniment during the petition and court hearing processes, and extensive safety planning for anyone impacted by family violence.

Other services provided within the DSV program include 24/7 crisis response through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline and Hospital Accompaniment Response Program, as well as the only domestic and sexual violence shelter in Arlington County for survivors fleeing imminent danger at the Safehouse; and community-based case management services in the Mobile Advocacy Program.

In our DSV program, all are welcome, including women, men, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+.

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Position Summary: *
The Bilingual Court Advocate (CA) works with adult survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children/families at the Arlington County Courthouse. The CA provides supportive services and advocacy to people involved with civil and court proceedings because of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. The CA provides direct client services such as thorough safety planning, referrals to community resources and support for survivors to secure vital resources to enhance safety. In addition, the CA conducts targeted outreach to underserved populations and education activities to other service providers and the community at large. This position is a full-time, exempt position of 40 hours with typical work hours of 8:30-4:30PM Monday through Friday. This position reports to the Senior Court Advocate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Duties (Service Delivery)

• Provide extensive safety planning and associated emotional support for survivors and their children, paying attention to special cultural interpretations and values.
• Advise survivors about options and resources available to protect and provide for them and their families such as civil protective orders, public benefits, and community programs.
• Provide information and facilitate direct referrals for legal representation via providers such as Legal Services of Northern Virginia
• Assist survivors in the preparation of civil petitions related primarily to protective orders, custody, and child support while ensuring requests for language interpretation needs are met.
• Refer and accompany survivor to Commonwealth Attorney’s Victim Witness Program when a criminal case is filed.
• Accompany survivors and provide emotional support, education and advocacy throughout the court process including in court waiting area and all civil court proceedings ensuring they understand their rights, court actions and next steps.
• Provide English/Spanish translation and ensure appropriate translation services for other languages.
• Accompany survivors and provide emotional support when the survivor wants to file a criminal complaint at the Magistrate’s Office.
• Provide feedback regarding any discrepancies directly observed from the criminal justice system during court interactions/proceedings to advocate for systems-change as needed.
• Assist survivors in obtaining copies of court documents.
• Collaborate with the Arlington County Sheriff’s Department and other process servers to ensure service of protective order or subpoena to abusive partner for court hearings and inform survivors of such services.
• In cases of stalking within the criminal arena, assist survivors by complementing the Victim Witness Program’s efforts via direct emotional support, translation services, and guidance.
• Make referrals to other agencies for ongoing support needs such as emergency shelter, housing, mental health, education, childcare, financial education, employment, etc.

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with community representatives related to the Court Advocacy Program.
• Complete accurate and timely data entry for all client contacts using electronic databases, including VAData and ETO. Ensure all client records are maintained and up to date.
• Participate in Doorways volunteer and staff orientation as needed to train new staff and volunteers.

Internal/External Contacts:
The position has wide latitude to contact internal staff and external stakeholders in conducting their duties.

Agency Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate alignment with Doorways core values and mission.
• In partnership with Doorways staff, assist with Doorways client and community events.
• Attend agency and/or other service provider meetings, as required.
• Maintain current industry knowledge and best practices.
• Obtain CPR/First Aid certification and keep current.
• Completion of a CPS/Criminal Background Check.
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures.

Knowledge and Skills Needed:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or at least 2+ years of experience in social services, the court system, and/or domestic or sexual violence services.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills and ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Bilingual Spanish/English required.
• Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team.
• Must demonstrate an acceptance and respect for cultural diversity in all its forms, including ethnicity, sexual orientation, abilities, and religious backgrounds and an ability to work collaboratively in an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse environment.
• Must be comfortable working in an environment where it is necessary to process the past and present trauma endured by survivors.
• Ability to relate to the historically marginalized populations, including those that are experiencing homelessness and/or trauma survivors.
• Flexible and a self-starter, with demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, mitigate risk, and make sound decisions.
• Must possess basic computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and the internet (Microsoft Suite).
• Must live in the DMV.

Compensation:

• $50,000-52,000 depending on level of education, experience, and fluency in Spanish or other high demand languages. Excellent benefits – health/dental/vision, life, LTD, 403(b), etc.

COVID-19 Considerations:
Doorways observes the CDC recommendations for COVID-19 precautions.
We have a vaccine mandate for our employees and require weekly testing for unvaccinated employees.

Doorways is an Equal Opportunity Employer
People of color, women, LGBTQ candidates, and people of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Doorways is committed to a diverse workplace and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities

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All staff at Doorways are expected to operate from a survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and equity approach. We believe that people, including underserved populations, must have access to needed services. Continuous application of Doorways values are integral in every position at Doorways._

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

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