Client Advocate

Client Advocate

We are seeking a compassionate and dynamic individual to join a team of passionate advocates serving the South Asian community and beyond. The new Client Advocate will support survivors of gender-based violence through culturally responsive advocacy, with responsibilities spanning the Helpline/Peer Counseling and Legal Advocacy programs. This role requires a trauma-informed and empathetic approach, strong collaboration across teams, and the ability to adapt support to each survivor's unique circumstances and needs.

Job Responsibilities

Helpline:

• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate live Helpline coverage for a minimum of 3 days per week and serve as the first point of contact for those needing Maitri services; Live Helpline coverage will be during a 3-hour slot between 9am and 3pm Monday-Friday
• Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, peer counseling, referrals and other resources during live Helpline coverage
• Follow up with Helpline callers as needed to provide case management services
• Provide Peer Counseling to clients based on their needs
• Assist with other mission-related client advocacy programs work as needed
• Comply with all confidentiality requirements, ethical and legal obligations of the program and agency
• Work closely with the Crisis Intervention Coordinator to ensure that callers' needs are addressed satisfactorily

Legal Advocacy:

• Facilitate culturally and linguistically appropriate, non-judgmental, trauma informed client legal advocacy services
• Provide information and education about dynamics of domestic violence and legal options
• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate support with restraining orders, other legal paperwork, court accompaniment to clients during criminal, family and immigration court proceedings
• Facilitate weekly and/or as needed in-house attorney consultations with clients
• Provide peer counseling, advocacy, referrals and information to all clients in-person or over the phone when needed
• Comply with all confidentiality requirements, ethical and legal obligations of the program and agency
• Work closely with the Legal Advocacy Coordinator to ensure that legal needs of Maitri clients are met

General Administrative/Other :

• Ensure accurate maintenance of records, data, and timely reporting
• Compile and provide reports as needed for projects and grants
• Attend monthly staff and volunteer meetings to foster understanding and communication and growth as a Maitri team member
• Support all agency activities and events and team members as needed
• Ensure compliance with language access mandates imposed by city, state or national authorities
• Assist in general administrative work related to this work as needed
• Uphold and maintain Maitri's Leadership Principles Framework in all behaviors and interactions

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to Maitri's mission and values
• Fluency in at least one South Asian language in addition to English required
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with preferably 1 year of experience in DV advocacy, community based advocacy or social service work
• Specific helpline or legal advocacy experience will be a plus but not a must (on the job training will be provided regardless of experience)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience and/or ability to work effectively with people in crisis situations with patience, compassion, and flexibility
• Experience and/or ability to work respectfully with persons of diverse ethnic, religious, educational, language, sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds
• Basic proficiency in using Internet, MS Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule when needed and to complete tasks on hand
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; to manage multiple tasks and prioritize tasks and projects; to be detail-oriented, well-organized and flexible
• Willingness to work some evenings and/or weekends based on agency needs, as required
• A valid US work authorization required, Maitri will not sponsor work visas at this time
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive a motor vehicle
• May be required to lift or carry up to 20lbs of weight
• Must clear background check (fingerprinting), valid TB test
• Must have completed or be willing to complete 40hr California State Domestic Violence Counselor certification (training will be provided)

Please include a cover letter and resume in your application. No applications will be considered without a cover letter. Please be ready to provide at least two references. No phone calls, please. We provide an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401K, paid vacation and sick time off. Hourly Rate Range: $25 per hour - $27 per hour, commensurate with specific role experience Maitri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We may be unable to respond to each email based on the volume of applications received.