CCS Summary: Since 1969, Center for Community Solutions (CCS) has been creating safe and healthy communities with a core emphasis on the prevention and intervention of sexual assault and relationship violence. Our mission is to end relationship and sexual violence by being a catalyst for caring communities and social justice. (www.ccssd.org)
Position Summary: The Director of Legal and Advocacy Services (LAS) oversees the provision of CCSs legal and advocacy programs and works closely with other CCS department staff to ensure a seamless and full array of services is provided to clients. The Director serves as chief advisor on client-related legal issues for agency staff and collaborates closely with CCS leaders to inform CCSs public policy advocacy efforts. The Director supervises LAS management team (including the Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy, Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy, Hope Team and Litigation Managers), and the East County Office administrative assistant. The Director participates in community forums to develop, strengthen, and maintain collaborative relationships with other community organizations and coalitions, and establishes strong working relationships with funders.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Program Oversight and Administration of Legal and Advocacy Services (LAS) Programs
Research, develop, implement, and evaluate best-practice or evidence-based service models.
Create, implement, and enforce policies and procedures for the delivery of services.
Develop systems and mechanisms for effective collaboration among LAS staff and between LAS and non-LAS programs
Ensure contract compliance for all contracts assigned to the LAS department
Complete required documentation, including reports and administrative paperwork, thoroughly and completely, and submit in a timely manner.
Ensure collection, coordination, and integrity of statistics and data for LAS programs
Oversee budgeting and grant reporting and application processes for LAS programs, including meeting with funders and attending grant-related trainings and conferences.
Monitor and manage department compliance with ethical and other legal responsibilities, such as conflict checks and confidentiality/informed consent policy compliance.
Oversee the pro bono attorney program. Manage and cultivate relationships and new pro bono opportunities.
2. Supervision and Teambuilding
Hire, train, supervise, and mentor the LAS management team, including the Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy, Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy, Litigation, and Hope Team Managers.
Prepare middle managers to perform the duties required of them, including meeting contract goals, adhering to CCS personnel policies and procedures, and building cooperative teams that operate in accordance to CCS mission, vision, and values.
Directly mentor and supervise the legal work of Staff Attorneys and Legal Advocates/Paralegals, including conducting regular supervisory meetings and evaluations, and otherwise encouraging professional development
Conduct periodic quality assurance checks, including internal audits of service documentation and on-site observation of service provision.
Maintain a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality employees, with an emphasis on teamwork.
Work in a cooperative and inclusive manner with staff, connecting staff at multiple sites.
Identify and prioritize staff and volunteer training needs and ensure these needs are met.
Integrate LAS services into other CCS services as well as community service networks.
Oversee LAS staff compliance with CCS policy and procedures.
3. Community Collaboration and Leadership
Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with community organizations, coalitions, and the courts, including regular participation in meetings, working groups, committees, and education and outreach activities
Participate in advocacy for law and policy reform that serves the interests of CCS clients.
Serve as primary liaison for CCS in east region and oversee CCSs East County Office operations.
Provide and participate in cross trainings with community partners.
Work with collaborative partners to obtain funding for program continuation and expansion.
Serve as consultant/advisor to CCS staff with regard to client-related legal concerns.
Collaborate closely with CCS leaders to inform CCSs public policy advocacy efforts.
Participate on CCSs Directors Team and strategic planning process.
Work to eliminate barriers to service, particularly for survivors from historically oppressed communities.
Essential Job Requirements:
EDUCATION, LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION
Juris Doctor degree.
Must be a California licensed attorney.
Completion of 60-hour OES-approved Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training (or must be completed upon hiring).
EXPERIENCE
Minimum three years litigation experience.
Minimum of three years experience managing programs and staff.
Experience working with survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, child abuse, and/or elder abuse.
Experience working with culturally diverse clientele.
Experience with budget and contract management.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Commitment to CCSs mission, vision, and values and holistic approach to providing services, as well as to community-based solutions for addressing root causes of violence and survivor needs.
Detail-oriented with ability to effectively multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Ability to take initiative and work independently.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Strong supervisory skills, including conflict management skills, and an empowering leadership style, consistently displaying a high level of professionalism in all interactions.
Strong program planning and development skills.
Demonstrated ability to network and build effective relationships across organizations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as advocacy and public speaking skills.
Ability to mentor middle managers and to lead meetings, trainings, and strategic planning sessions with coalitions and staff.
Strong ability to work effectively with others at all levels of an organization.
Must demonstrate an acceptance and respect for cultural diversity in all its forms, including ethnicity, sexual orientation, abilities, and religious backgrounds, and an ability to work collaboratively in an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse environment.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook, and Power Point, as well as data entry and internet research. Comfort in computer network environment.
PREFERRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Experience managing multi-faceted and/or multi-site program.
Experience with developing and enhancing community collaborations.
Experience in program evaluation and in conducting needs assessments.
Experience as a trainer.
Bilingual fluency in Spanish/English (written and oral) strongly desired.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Negative drug-screen test and TB test showing negative for infectious tuberculosis.
Must clear extensive law enforcement background check.
Must maintain personal cell phone for work-related purposes.
Must have reliable transportation available for work-related purposes, a valid drivers license, and proof of automobile insurance.
Must be willing to travel out of state for work-related trainings and conferences.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to sit for prolonged period.
Ability to lift and carry up to twenty pounds.
Must be able to drive personal vehicle to travel to several program sites around San Diego County.
Department: Legal and Advocacy Svs.
Reports To: Associate Executive Director, Programs
Status: Exempt
Classification: Full-Time
Location: East County Office Hrs/Schedule: F/T Mon-Fri, some weekend availability
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to Danielle Lingle at the email address listed above.
- Location: La Mesa
- Compensation: $55,000/year starting, plus full benes: generous paid vacation/sick; group medical/dental insurance; optional vision, FSA, and 401(k).
- This is at a non-profit organization.
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
- Please, no phone calls about this job!
- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.