Survivors First, Legal Navigator at Ywcaworks

What You'll DoThe Navigator for Gender-Based Violence Specialized Services provides trauma-informed advocacy and guidance to survivors navigating the legal system. Using a culturally competent and empowerment-based approach, this role offers supportive services and safety planning for survivors of gender-based violence who have been charged with domestic violence–related crimes. This position works closely with the City of Seattle Municipal Court, King County Prosecutor’s Office, and other municipalities as needed, with a strong focus on serving survivor-defendants of color, particularly African American women. The role carries a critical social justice responsibility. It requires applying an antiracist lens and understanding the intersections of racism, poverty, and gender in order to deliver services that are both equitable and effective. Knowledge of the core principles of antiracism—and the ability to ground them in daily practice—are essential skills and values for success in this position. Note: This is an onsite position, with limited opportunities for remote work

Expectations of your role:

Navigation

Provides trauma-informed, client-centered and culturally competent support to survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault/Commercial Sexual Exploitation that have been accused of a crime by providing crisis intervention, resources, ongoing advocacy.

Attend county jail in-custody hearings and collaborate with jail staff for custody cases.

Assist survivors of domestic violence with civil legal issues by providing guidance, referrals, court accompaniment and support in cases such as protection orders, divorces, parenting plans, landlord-tenant issues, immigration cases, CPS cases and etc.

Liaison with the applicable court municipality office to staff cases, guide victims through the legal system, and attend hearings as needed.

Community Engagement/Training

Maintain and develop strong relationships with local criminal justice, health, legal, and social service systems, along with external community partners and internal YWCA programs.

Collaborate across community networks to expand resources, strengthen referral pathways, and ensure survivors have access to a robust continuum of services that meet their diverse needs.

Provide education on domestic violence to survivors, community groups, agencies and marginalized populations in Seattle and South King County.

Facilitate or co-facilitate the YWCA’s Sister Circle Domestic Violence Support Group for African American women and women of color, offered weekly/bi-weekly, including outreach and recruitment of survivors to participate.

Conduct community presentations and outreach to promote awareness of YWCA’s Legal Navigation services, with the goal of proactively building participation rather than relying solely on client-initiated contact.

Actively participate in the agency’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), work toward racially equitable outcomes, and build knowledge of how race, gender, poverty, and systems intersect to ensure services are aligned with YWCA’s focus on African American women and women of color.

Maintain 20 hours of continuing education annually in trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy.

Reporting, Ethics, and Compliance

Maintain accurate and confidential client files.

Collect data and submit required monthly reports in a timely manner.

Track and accept incoming referrals, ensuring contact with clients is made within 24 hours.

Maintain professional boundaries in client relationships and provide crisis resolution through a trauma informed approach.

Attend all staff, department, required training, and service-related meetings.

Must have's to be successful:

1 year of experience working (or relevant lived expertise) with survivors of gender-based violence.

Must have demonstrated knowledge of the criminal and civil justice system (i.e. protection orders, family law, etc.)

Knowledge of community resources in King County and Seattle.

Experience and understanding of how cultural factors, such as racism, gender, immigration status and homelessness, shape how women of color—particularly African American women—are impacted by and respond to domestic violence.

Capable user of computer systems, including email, calendaring, data entry, and Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint.

Must be able to travel independently throughout King County; requires access to a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and current vehicle insurance.

Hours, Rate, and Benefits

Hourly Rate: $28000

Hours: 40 Hours per week

Excellent benefits package including medical insurance, retirement plan, plus generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans. For more information about our benefits, please visit: YWCA Careers & Benefits Information

At the time of hire, employees may enroll voluntarily in the Fidelity 403b Plan

After two years of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA Retirement Fund

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of   those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  In   performing this job, the employee:

 All positions at YWCA of Seattle | King | Snohomish are exposed to clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms including but not limited to: domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, financial hardship, etc.  As a result, staff are at risk of secondary trauma. Employees are encouraged to seek external support and maintain self-care when working indirectly or directly with clients 

Continuously sits for extended periods while performing desktop activities

Continually stands and walks in performing duties

Repetitively uses hands and wrists, fingering, handling, grasping, and reaching in using telephones, computers, kitchen equipment, donations and supplies

Frequently reaches and grasps in using telephones, computers, fax machines and other office equipment and supplies

Frequently stands, walks, sits and climbs in performing duties in the office and in traveling to off-site meetings

Occasionally lifts and carries up to 5lbs. of paperwork, files and training materials

Occasionally kneels, bends, pushes and pulls in obtaining files in drawers

*Constantly requires this activity or exposure 66+% of the time, frequently: 33%-66%, occasionally: up to 33%.

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