Essex County Family Justice Center Is Hiring A Bilingual Legal Advocate

Join our dedicated team as a Bilingual Legal Advocate, where you will play a vital role in supporting survivors of domestic violence navigating complex legal and social challenges. This position offers the opportunity to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive legal advocacy, ensuring vulnerable populations receive the protection and services they deserve, while leveraging your bilingual skills to bridge language barriers and empower families toward justice and support.

🔹 Overview

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in navigating the legal system, understanding their rights, and accessing resources.
• Collaborate closely with attorneys, social workers, and other legal professionals to ensure comprehensive client support.
• Support cases involving domestic violence, divorce, child custody, and other family-related legal issues.
• Provide information about the criminal legal process vs. the civil legal process.
• Conduct thorough legal intake with clients.
• Assess risk of danger using standardized risk assessment tools.
• Assist clients in developing safety plans for themselves and their children.
• Offer support and court accompaniment for victims proceeding pro se through the civil protective process.
• Inform victims of their legal options available under the law.
• Educate about the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act and related statutes.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate civil legal services and enforcement agencies.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of all interactions.
• Explain legal proceedings and evidence requirements to clients.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or at least five years of experience with the civil protective process in NJ.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in the domestic violence field.
• Completion of a 40-hour domestic violence training course preferred within six months of hire.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Bilingual in Spanish/Portuguese preferred.

💼 Compensation & Benefits

Salary: From $45,000.00 per year.

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

📍 Work Location

Hybrid remote position based in Newark, NJ 07102.