Lay Legal Advocate - Apache Junction, AZ

Legal Advocate

A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Our core values—Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness—guide us in creating meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve. 

Salary:$22 hr

Schedule: Mon - Fri  9 am - 5 pm

Job Summary:  

The Legal Advocate provides direct advocacy to individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence, offering support with court accompaniment, civil legal filings, and safety planning. This role conducts intake assessments, facilitates outreach, and collaborates with legal service providers to ensure trauma-informed care. The position involves regular travel throughout Northern Pinal and Eastern Maricopa Counties and requires accurate documentation in accordance with grant and legal standards. 

Responsibilities: 

• Provide legal advocacy services to individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence. 
• Conduct intake interviews and needs assessments for participants seeking general, community-based, or legal advocacy services. 
• Assist participants in developing individualized safety plans using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach. 
• Help clients complete and file civil court documents, and provide court accompaniment and emotional support during civil, criminal, and domestic relations proceedings. 
• Establish and maintain office hours to accept referrals and offer client assistance. 
• Collaborate with internal staff to address participants’ basic needs and ensure coordinated support. 
• Build and maintain professional relationships with community agencies and legal service providers that support survivors. 
• Facilitate outreach presentations on domestic violence, sexual assault, legal processes, and safety planning to community members and potential clients. 
• Travel regularly throughout Northern Pinal County and Eastern Maricopa County to deliver services in community, court, or office-based settings. 
• Operate a personal or agency vehicle for work-related travel and client services. 
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in client files, including intake forms, progress notes, and case closures, in accordance with legal and grant requirements. 
• Complete and assist with required weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports. 
• Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development activities. 
• Lift and transport program-related materials weighing up to 30 lbs. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:  

Education:   

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent req 
• Bachelor’s degree in a related area (Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Women’s Studies, Justice Studies, Criminal Justice, Pre-Law), preferred. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of six (6) months of experience working in legal or court systems, or in a closely related advocacy setting required 
• Demonstrated knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, social services, community resources, and the legal system 
• Effective interviewing, active listening, and crisis intervention skills required 
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

• Frequent travel required throughout Northern Pinal County and Eastern Maricopa County to deliver services in courts, community locations, and partner agencies 
• Must be able to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods in office and courtroom environments 
• Occasional lifting and transport of program materials weighing up to 30 lbs. 
• Regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers 
• Must be able to manage multiple cases and shifting priorities in a fast-paced, trauma-informed setting 
• Ability to respond professionally in high-stress, crisis, or emotionally charged situations 
• Requires strict adherence to confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with clients, courts, partners, and team members 

Compliance Requirements:       

• Must Be At Least 21 Years of Age  
• Class One Fingerprint Clearance Card 
• DCS/DES Central Registry Background Check 
• Drug Screening 
• CPR/First Aid Certification 
• Therapeutic Options Training (Depending on Program) 
• Valid Unrestricted Driver’s License    
• Current Auto Liability Insurance  
• 39 Month Motor Vehicle Record  
• Adhere to all organizational policies, including the Code of Conduct, professional standards, and relevant regulations.  

Mandated Reporter Requirements: 

• As a mandated reporter under Arizona statute A.R.S. § 13-3620, you are required to immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect of a minor to your Supervisor, Manager, Director, Clinical Director, or Chief Officer, who will assist in making the appropriate report to authorities. 
• Reports should be directed to either the local law enforcement agency or child protective services (1-888-SOS-CHILD). Abuse suspected of involving a family member or legal guardian should be reported to child protective services, while other cases should be reported to law enforcement. 

Responsible To:DV Outreach Manager  

Supervisory Responsibilities: None