Legal Director Jobs in Michigan

TITLE: Director of Legal Advocacy

REPORTS TO: Deputy Director

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Turning Point, Inc in Mount Clemens, MI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Turning Point, Inc empowers survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence. We offer emergency shelter, housing, advocacy/counseling, forensic nurse examiner program & first response advocacy services, 24-hour hotline, personal protection order assistance and legal advocacy, community education, and systems change. This position requires a strong understanding of the cultural, societal, and systemic factors that affect survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including marginalized populations. Candidates must be skilled in crisis intervention, trauma-informed counseling, empowerment-based approaches, and safety planning, with knowledge of victims’ rights and institutional responses.

Position Summary:

The Director of Legal Advocacy leads a team that provides support and advocacy services for domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking victims encountering the criminal justice system or seeking a Personal Protection Order (PPO). Further responsibilities include advocating for the development of policies and practices that are trauma informed and places victims’ safety at the center. Able to provide individual advocacy including lethality assessments and safety planning and maintains the PPO office staffing at the Macomb County Circuit Court building.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervision responsibilities include supervising Legal Advocates and PPO Coordinator, as well as program volunteers and interns.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:

The ideal candidate must have knowledge of survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and advocacy-based interventions with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking that are rooted in anti-oppression values and the empowerment model. Specific knowledge in crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, lethality assessments, group facilitation, and safety planning is desired as are demonstrated success building teams, collaborating with peers, and solving problems. Candidates must also have knowledge of advocacy with survivors in various systems including healthcare, criminal justice, family court, child welfare, education, and human services. Additionally, candidates should have knowledge about victim’s rights, community resources, and the impact of violence on survivors and loved ones. The ideal candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills. As our free, confidential services are inclusive and accessible to honor the unique needs, identities, and experiences of individuals who identify as a survivor of domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking, candidates must demonstrate the ability to work with all survivors and understand the unique barriers that survivors with intersecting oppressed identities will encounter.

Education:

A master’s degree in social work, Criminal Justice or related field is preferred along with experience and knowledge of meeting the advocacy needs of domestic and sexual violence victims encountering the criminal and civil legal system may be considered.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement agency and program mission and empowerment philosophy
• Administer and implement agency policies and procedures
• Maintain agency policy on confidentiality, record keeping and professional ethics
• Provide support, information and resources to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Travel to different locations in Macomb County, as well as Wayne and Oakland counties, when necessary, to provide services when needed.
• Provide assistance to survivors with address confidentiality.
• Hire, train and supervise legal advocates and PPO staff including interns/volunteers in the program, including facilitating at minimum bi-weekly structured supervision of all program staff.
• Responsible for bi-monthly data monitoring in alignment with the agency procedure to ensure the integrity and accuracy of data input by program staff.
• Document and maintain all activity and services provided in the PPO office required by funding sources and program evaluation.
• Demonstrate self as a team leader working to solve problems across departments
• Meets regularly with staff, interns and volunteers for purpose of development
• Demonstrates ability and opportunities to provide confirming and corrective feedback to staff for the goal of staff development Utilizes program data for program improvement and staff education
• Knowledgeable about resources for staff development
• Reviews policies with staff and recommends updates and changes when necessary
• Work collaboratively with Lakeshore Legal Aid, prosecutors, and court personnel lending support, resources and information on cases related to domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault
• Research available resources within the community and keep current on changes in domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault laws, as well as criminal and district court procedures
• Actively engage in systems change efforts, including collaboration with the City of Warren with Operation Cycle Break.
• Monitor and ensure program purchases by department staff follow finance policy and procedure
• Notify the Deputy Director, CEO or County Clerk of any emergency situations that may affect Turning Point staff, clients, or County Building/staff.
• Participating in staff training, agency meetings and workshops required by Turning Point
• Conduct relationships with colleagues to promote mutual respect, improvement of services, and problem solving.
• Cooperates with all other Turning Point programs to achieve organizational goals.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Allows for flexibility in schedule and job function
• Able to travel to District and Circuit courts in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties to provide services as requested
• Must have the ability to work with diverse populations.
• Travel between county courts and police stations is required.
• Must have reliable transportation, insurance, a valid Michigan Driver’s License and a good driving record.
• Must pass central registry and criminal background check as a condition of employment.

Turning Point, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, height, weight or Veteran status.