Disability and Victim Rights Staff Attorney

The YWCA Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking in an array of proceedings to assist them in stabilizing their lives and when seeking justice.

1. Represent low-income survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking with disabilities in an array of family court and housing court proceedings, including dissolution, child custody and support, restraining orders, and evictions.
2. Provide advocacy, including entering notices of appearance for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking with disabilities who are participating as witnesses in the criminal prosecution of their perpetrator.
3. Learn and assist with the diverse legal needs of underserved and vulnerable communities in Southwest Michigan, specifically those with disabilities.
4. Provide workshops and technical assistance to community partners and client communities on disability and survivor rights and access;
5. Develop relationships and engage in collaboration with a range of public and private community partners, including governmental agencies, courts, and community based organizations, to ensure integrative services and address systemic barriers facing survivors of violence;
6. Have a passion and understanding of the unique needs of women and marginalized populations within the civil and criminal justice system as they navigate the aftermath of their victimization;
7. Understand the complex legal systems that survivors come in contact with and be willing to engage in advocacy at any and all points;
8. Interview survivors in a manner sensitive to the trauma they may have experienced and attuned to honoring their choices;
9. Be willing to engage in thorough research and brief writing;
10. Be willing to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards;
11. Be willing to engage with police and prosecutors to advocate for victims;
12. Provide legal services including legal research and factual investigation, counsel and advice, brief services and document preparation, and representation of clients in administrative and judicial proceedings;
13. Provide accurate and complete information for grant reporting to grant funders including documenting services in the case record;
14. Attend trainings required by the grant and by YWCA Kalamazoo;
15. Actively participate in staff committees or task forces focused on services for survivors;
16. Develop and maintain networking relationships with local bar associations and with local, state, and federal governments and community agencies that serve our client population, including those serving persons with disabilities, older adults, and other special needs;
17. Exhibit a high level of personal energy, organization, and commitment to the position and the YWCA Kalamazoo mission.
18. Work cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff and volunteers.
19. Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Working conditions include a hybrid office/work from home option to foster work/life balance.
2. Candidates must possess a Michigan Driver’s License and/or ability to drive; or be able to provide transportation to/from area courts, police stations, and other community settings.

1. Membership and good standing with the Michigan Bar.
2. Strong personal work ethic and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
3. Excellent writing, editing, and proof-reading skills, with ability to be detail-oriented.
4. Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic team.
5. Curious and self-directed with an ability to anticipate what needs to be done.
6. Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects while maintaining a firm grasp of individual project details.
7. Exhibits humility in working with colleagues and clients across the spectrum of diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and/or limited English proficiency.
8. Willingness to take direction, flexibility, ability to be productive in a public workspace, high ethical standard and common sense are all required.
9. Satisfactory response to criminal and child abuse and neglect history checks.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Orientation to YWCA Personnel Policies, Mission, Purpose and One Imperative.
2. Racial Justice Training
3. Orientation to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting.
4. Other appropriate training and in-service which will occur during employment.