Legal Systems Navigation AmeriCorps Member at Peace House

Can you help us to connect victims of domestic and sexual violence to critical legal protections to keep themselves and their families safe? Join the Peace House host site, through AmeriCorps, as we expand our Legal Advocacy Program to ensure more survivors of abuse can access, understand, and be protected by our criminal and civil justice systems.

For nearly three decades, Peace House has been at the forefront of community-based advocacy, providing comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Now, we're expanding our focus to address the urgent needs of children who faced violence and are unhoused.

As the sole designated service provider in Summit County and the most accessible option for significant portions of Wasatch County, we're committed to breaking down barriers to care for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by violence. Our services extend to any individual impacted by interpersonal violence, including secondary survivors like family members.

As a Legal Systems Navigation AmeriCorp Member, you'll work alongside our Certified Legal Advocate to ensure survivors understand all the options open to them as a victim of crime, that they are kept informed at all times during proceedings, and, moreover, that they feel supported as they navigate these complex legal systems and the impact they have on their day to day lives.

Join us in our mission to create a future free from violence and fear. Apply now and be a part of the transformative journey at Peace House.

Peace House is a charitable organization dedicated to ending interpersonal violence and abuse and empowering survivors to heal and thrive by providing support services, safe housing, and prevention education. Peace House is located in Park City, UT. Peace House is an equal opportunity agency.

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Peace House Legal Systems Navigation Americorp Member

AMERICORPS PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Salt Lake County's Most Vulnerable Populations AmeriCorps Program focuses on reducing systematic inequities. Our members help bridge the gap and reduce barriers for a variety of vulnerable populations including but not limited to; youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those involved in the Criminal Justice System. AmeriCorps is a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors by engaging adults in public service serve, with a goal of helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. "The program is often seen as the domestic Peace Corps."

This is a great opportunity if you are a student enrolled in:

· Social Work/Services

· Social Justice

· Criminal Justice System/Criminology

· Psychology

· Public Health

· Sociology

· Humanities

· Non-profit organization and management

· Anyone interested in Community and Social Impact

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

· Develop an understanding of the legal protections available to survivors of abuse through the civil and criminal justice systems.

· Gain hands on experience gathering and assessing evidence, liaising with partner agencies within the bounds of confidentiality and privilege, and explaining complex issues in a way that is accessible to individuals unfamiliar with these systems.

· Understand the interplay between criminal and civil legal protections for survivors of abuse and housing security.

· Become familiar with trauma-informed care and empowerment models for survivors.

· Learn to solve complex situations with professionalism, empathy, and from a client-centered perspective.

· Receive close mentorship and professional development from field experts.

SUPERVISION:

· Weekly check-in with supervisor.

· Participate in quarterly training.

· Receive crisis counselor certificati n.

· Receive a mid-term and a final evaluation.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: In response to demand from the community, and as part of our ongoing efforts to improve services, we are enhancing our Legal Advocacy Program. The AmeriCorps member will play a critical role in

Key Responsibilities:

· Assist with screening cases and gathering key information to support the time-sensitive review of available legal options to secure safety and stability.

· Provide scheduling support for clients to progress cases in a timely manner.

· Act as a liaison between systems-based partners and Peace House to ensure key information is shared between systems per the client's wishes.

· Ensure clients are kept informed during proceedings by providing written updates & summaries, and by offering regular check-ins for support and questions.

· Attend Court hearings to provide emotional support to clients and logistical support to the Legal Advocacy Coordinator

· Maintain electronic files and contribute to quarterly reports for program improvement.

Desired Qualifications:

· Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

· Commitment to confidentiality and cultural competency.

· Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

· Ability to perform key responsibilities independently and collaboratively.

· Experience in social services or related field preferred.

· Understanding of issues facing unhoused individuals.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Suites.

· Bilingual English/Spanish speaker.

Training:

· Attend weekly meetings and agency training sessions.

· Participate in AmeriCorps orientation and monitoring visits.

· Engage in service projects with other AmeriCorps members.

Minimum Requirements:

· Clear background checks.

· Current First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within first month.

· High School Diploma or equivalent.

· Follow state and federal laws on victim confidentiality.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

· Proactive problem-solving abilities.

· Effective verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.

· Commitment to client confidentiality and cultural humility.

· Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with agency partners.

· Duties and responsibilities may evolve with program needs.

REPORTS TO: Legal Advocacy Coordinator

HOST SITE LOCATION: Park City, Utah

HOST SITE ENVIRONMENT:

This service position operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· While performing administrative duties of this service position, the AmeriCorps member is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.

· Specific vision abilities required by this service position include close vision requirements due to computer operation.

· Light to moderate lifting is required (up to 40 lbs.)

· Ability to use personal transportation to collect and deliver legal and court documents, including the ability to use personal transportation to meet clients offsite at local courts.

· Ability to maintain professionalism and uphold the stress of secondary trauma exposure (hearing accounts of trauma from a client or reading police reports).

· Regular, predictable attendance is required.

· Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.