Legal Advocate (Vacancy)

Definition

The office of Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein is seeking qualified applicants for the position of fulltime Legal Advocate in the Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit in our Prosecutor Division. This position does work on Saturday and will be on a rotating basis after training is completed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Domestic violence and stalking issues and concepts and community referral resources;
• Victim advocacy and investigative techniques;
• The operation of the criminal justice system particularly as it relates to the prosecution of domestic violence and stalking cases;
• Basic word processing, keyboarding, scanning and data entry;
• Ability to think creatively and come up with solutions to issues;
• Ability to work effectively with persons from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Preferred but not required – language skills in Spanish or Somali.

Examples of Work: 

• In conjunction with the Prosecuting Attorney, manages a courtroom docket, which includes prepping cases for court and working directly with victims.
• Interviews victims and witnesses to family violence and explains the court process.
• Thoroughly documents and completes all notes and files associated with each case.
• Contacts victim prior to court hearings and educates them regarding safety planning and maintains knowledge of current community resources.
• Acts as a liaison for crime victim and the prosecutor.

About the Prosecutor Division: 

Located at 375 South High Street in the Franklin County Courthouse complex, the Prosecutor Division is responsible for the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses on behalf of citizens of the City of Columbus and the State of Ohio in the Franklin County Municipal Court. From case initiation in our Prosecution Resources Unit to defense of successful prosecutions in our Appellate Unit, the Division provides a wide array of services attendant to the resolution of criminal allegations and complaints. In addition to the services we provide the citizens of the City of Columbus and the unincorporated areas of Franklin County, this Division also represents, by contractual agreement, a number of Franklin County municipalities. The Division consists of Assistant City Prosecutors, the Legal Assistant Unit, the Prosecution Resources Unit, the Domestic Violence & Stalking Unit, and the Appellate Unit.

Under general supervision, is responsible for providing advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and/or stalking, and for preparing the case files to be used by Prosecutors during Municipal Court proceedings; performs related duties as required.

Examples of Work

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

In conjunction with the Prosecuting Attorney, manages a courtroom docket, which includes prepping cases for court, collecting evidence, working directly with victims in court, and closing out cases;

Interviews victims/prosecuting witnesses regarding specific instances of domestic violence and to elicit opinions of how the victim wants the case to proceed; explains to victims/prosecuting witnesses about the court process from arraignment to case resolution;

Prepares cases for court hearings by gathering and documenting evidence such as witness statements, medical records, 911 tapes, police reports, and photographs of injuries; utilizes court case scheduling systems to construct court files;

Reviews cases for possible felony enhancements based on defendant’s prior criminal record, victim’s pregnancy, and/or other enhanceable fact patterns;

Serves as liaison between the victim/prosecuting witness and City prosecutor, judge, and other court personnel;

Contacts victims to notify them of upcoming court dates and provides information about the court system;

Assesses the needs of victims/prosecuting witnesses and the urgency of situations; makes appropriate referrals to the victims/prosecuting witnesses based on needs to community, social services, and mental health agencies; makes referrals to Children Services if abuse to minors is suspected;

Assists in crisis intervention; assists in developing a safety plan for the victims/prosecuting witnesses;

Assists qualified victims/prosecuting witnesses in obtaining Protection Orders by completing all paperwork and standing up in court with them;

Educates members of the community and victims of domestic violence about the cycle of abuse and inherent civil rights;

Scans legal documents into computer database to complete computerized files;

Assists in training law enforcement and other agencies about domestic violence and the services available within the Domestic Violence unit in the City Attorney’s Office;

Works as a team within the Domestic Violence Unit and Prosecutor’s Office generally as required;

May communicate with individuals who have limited English language skills.

Test/Job Contact Information

Recruitment #: 24-1991-V1

Employment Type: Full-Time (Regular)

Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact:

Julienne Long

Columbus City Attorney

375 S. High St, 17th Floor

Columbus, Ohio 43215

P: (614) 645-6232

E: jelong@columbus.gov 

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the City’s Covenant and strategic plan. In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the City’s human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information.

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