Client Advocate (Helpline & Legal Advocacy Programs)

$49,920 - $54,080/Yr

Maitri - Santa Clara, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Santa Clara, CA

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The Client Advocate at Maitri is responsible for providing culturally responsive advocacy services to survivors of gender-based violence, focusing on both helpline and legal advocacy programs. This role requires a compassionate, trauma-informed approach and collaboration across teams to meet the specific needs of survivors in the South Asian community and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate live helpline coverage during a 3-hour slot between 9am and 3pm Mon-Fri.
• Offer emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, peer counseling, referrals, and other resources during helpline coverage.
• Collect and maintain data on calls received and compile reports as needed on Helpline program.
• Facilitate evaluation surveys to gather learnings for improving Helpline services.
• Manage cases of clients as needed and maintain an updated resource list.
• Comply with confidentiality requirements and ethical obligations of the program and agency.
• Work closely with the Crisis Intervention Coordinator to address callers' needs satisfactorily.
• Facilitate culturally and linguistically appropriate legal advocacy services for clients.
• Provide information and education about domestic violence dynamics and legal options.
• Support clients with restraining orders, legal paperwork, and court accompaniment during proceedings.
• Facilitate in-house attorney consultations with clients as needed.
• Provide peer counseling, advocacy, referrals, and information to clients in-person or over the phone.
• Assist in general administrative work at the Maitri office as needed and ensure accurate maintenance of records.
• Compile and provide reports for projects and grants as needed.
• Attend monthly staff and volunteer meetings to foster communication and growth as a team member.
• Support agency activities and events as needed and ensure compliance with language access mandates.

Requirements

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

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in domestic violence advocacy or social service work is preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Vision insurance
• Flexible schedule