Legal Advocate, Huntingdon House, Huntingdon, PA

Legal Advocate

Posted on: February 3, 2015
Posted by: Huntingdon House

Huntingdon House a program for survivors of domestic violence is hiring for the full-time position of Legal Advocate. Located in rural Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Huntingdon House provides advocacy services for individuals and families who are living with domestic violence. Services include, 24 hour hotline, legal advocacy, individual and group counseling, emergency shelter, transitional housing, civil legal representation and prevention education services. All services are provided within a client centered trauma informed framework.

The legal advocate provides individual advocacy and counseling to victims of domestic violence within the context of a client centered trauma informed workplace. Duties include assisting clients with the preparation and filing of protection from abuse petitions, accompanying survivors to court hearings, legal appointments and other procedures in connection with civil legal proceedings, support counseling and safety planning. The legal advocate also services as the liaison to the Michael Ayers Law Project (providing civil legal representation to survivors) to provide a system of holistic representation to survivors. The advocate also acts as the liaison with law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, community legal services and the court system through facilitation of the Huntingdon County Domestic Violence Task force and referrals to the Michael Ayers Law Project.

Qualifications

Experience working with individuals experiencing crisis, working across community systems and office administrative duties. Knowledge of unique issues facing rural victims of domestic violence is preferred. Excellent writing, communication skills, professional telephone skills and a willingness to develop and learn new skills. Proficiency with Microsoft office and database management experience preferred. College degree preferred.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to:

- the provision of Domestic Violence services with a feminist perspective;

- the struggle against ageism, classism, racism, ableism, homophobia and heterosexism;

- support and involve people of all racial, social, ethnic, religious, cultural and economic groups;

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants please apply by sending a cover letter, resume and three references to:

Jean Riddle Collins

Executive Director

Huntingdon House

PO Box 217

401 7^th Street

Huntingdon, PA 16652

Jcollins@huntingdonhouse.net

Paralegal, Huntingdon House, Huntingdon, PA

Paralegal: Civil Legal Representation Project

Posted on: October 6, 2014
Posted by: Huntingdon House

Huntingdon House, a domestic violence service program located in the beautiful rural central Pennsylvania town of Huntingdon, announces the following employment opportunity. Employment to begin as soon as possible after October 1, 2014. We are offering an exciting opportunity to the right Paralegal who is equipped to create a civil legal representation office from the ground up! Become a leader in the Court of Huntingdon County as an advocate for domestic violence survivors, work with rural survivors to create safer access to legal services in remote or isolated rural population centers, and provide education and advocacy about providing justice for survivors of domestic violence. All within a best practices model of survivor centered work.

The Paralegal will work closely with the Counseling/Advocacy staff of Huntingdon House to strengthen our continuum of services to create safer options and better avenues to justice for survivors who are fleeing domestic violence.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct client interviews and maintain general contact with clients of the Huntingdon County Civil Legal Representation Project, who are victims of domestic violence, including conducting interviews and general contact at rural meeting sites. 
• Conduct web-based case law, statutory and regulatory research. 
• Maintain court schedule and calendar. 
• Maintain legal project records and filing system. 
• Draft and edit legal documents, correspondence and pleadings under the supervision of The Project Director. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one year of legal assistant experience in a litigation and family law practice, or a public interest law firm or similar setting is preferred. 
• Knowledge of unique issues facing rural victims of domestic violence is preferred. 
• Must possess excellent writing, proofreading, professional telephone skills and a willingness to develop and learn new skills. 
• Excellent and demonstrated word processing required, knowledge of Excel spreadsheet, West Law and case management software is desirable.

Position Requires a STRONG COMMITMENT to

• The provision of Domestic Violence services with a client empowerment and feminist perspective
• The struggle against ageism, classism, racism, ableism, homophobia, and heterosexism
• Support and involvement of all racial, social, ethnic, religious, cultural, and economic groups

HOW TO APPLY

Those interested in this position may apply by submitting a letter of interest, a current resume/curriculum vitae, and a complete list of three or more personal and professional references to:

Jean Riddle Collins, Executive Director

Jcollins@huntingdonhouse.net

PO Box 217

Huntingdon, PA 16652

814-643-2801 office phone

814-643-2419 fax