* This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus!*

Position Summary

The Legal Assistance to Victims (“LAV”) Attorney has a Pennsylvania law license or is eligible for admissions by reciprocity under 204 Pa. Code Rule 204, and demonstrates expertise in providing legal representation to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking in the Latino and Northeastern Philadelphia communities. This position is required to complete and participate in all mandatory trainings, including but not limited to Office of Violence Against Women’s (OVW) trainings for LAV programs, the PCADV approved +40 hours of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking training, and training on evidence-based risk factors for domestic violence and dating violence homicide. 

The LAV Attorney is part of Congreso’s DV Legal Services team, under the Family Wellness department, and is expected to participate fully in program activities, as scheduled, and all project evaluations and site visits undertaken by OVW, PCADV and/or Department of Public Welfare.  The LAV Attorney has internal contacts with the entire administrative staff and external contact with clients, community resources, and the community, and is expected to represent Congreso in a professional manner. This position has access to sensitive Congreso information and is expected to handle such information with integrity and professionalism.

This position reports to the Managing DVLS Attorney. This is a Hybrid position.

The LAV Attorney applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role.

Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and vision.  We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.  Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions listed below.

• Represents Congreso’s mission, values, and vision, and will be an ambassador of our work.
• Provides holistic free civil legal services to low-income Latino victims of domestic violence as they relate to family law (i.e., custody, support, protection from abuse and divorce) and limited housing, and public benefits acquisition assistance. 
• Engages in professional systems advocacy through the courts, prosecution and local law enforcement, and appellate advocacy in order to improve the justice system’s response to victims of domestic violence. 
• Establishes partnerships with local attorneys and engages in seeking regular technical assistance from OVW Approved TA providers. 
• Contributes to the referral and intake system at the onset of the DV Legal Services Team that protects client confidentiality and respects attorney/client privilege
• Engages in ongoing legal consultation with community partners to address client needs.
• Engages with administrative staff and interns assigned to support the DV Legal Services Team.    
• Provides services to clients and staff that reflects PCM™ service delivery approaches that are Client-Centered, Data-Informed, and Culturally Appreciative.
• Attends and participates in continuing education related to PCM™, which include active participation in quality circles and the maintenance of work according to the data established requirements.  

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

All Staff Competencies

• Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
• Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
• Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
• Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
• Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
• Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Minimum Experience, Education, and Qualifications

Minimum Education

J.D. required.

Minimum Experience

1 year experience with Philadelphia family court proceedings; understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. 

Familiar with, and sensitive to, the issues affecting the Philadelphia Latino Community. 

Certification/License

Admitted to practice law in the State of Pennsylvania or eligible for admission by reciprocity under 204 Pa. Code Rule 204. 

40+ hours domestic violence training certificate from an approved PCADV training program, may be completed post hire.