Community and Legal Advocate

New Hope Midcoast is a domestic violence resource center that offers support to people in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties affected by domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.  We also provide educational resources to assist our communities in creating a safer, healthier future.

We currently have an opening for a Community and Legal Advocate in our Rockland office. The Community and Legal Advocate is responsible for providing direct services such as crisis intervention, helpline coverage, safety planning, accompaniment to patients in a hospital setting, support group facilitation, legal advocacy, information and referrals to victims of domestic abuse, and collaboration with law enforcement, and covers all of Knox and Waldo Counties.

• We seek a candidate with effective listening, oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of local social service, criminal justice, and health systems
• Respectful, kind, and empathetic
• Punctual, dependable, and committed to the work
• Group facilitation skills and experience
• Comfortable working with people experiencing substance use disorder, mental health concerns, or who are facing legal challenges
• Comfortable working independently and displaying good judgement with limited day-to-day supervision
• Basic computer skills (working knowledge of Microsoft, Apple, Google suite, and Zoom helpful but not required)

Required Role on Helpline

All advocates are required to provide on-call coverage for our 24-hour helpline including covering M-F and weekend daytime and overnight shifts, on a rotation, with frequency of shifts dictated by staffing and volunteer levels. On-call responsibilities include serving on the front lines to answer helpline calls as they come through, completing emergency shelter screenings, providing support and guidance for on-call volunteers, and seeking consultation from supervisors regarding complex calls. New Hope Midcoast fully trains all employees to fulfill this role, and additional on call pay rates apply. When hiring, we consider if candidates will be a strong fit for our helpline, in addition to the role they are applying for.

Qualifications:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least one year of work experience in a social service setting
• Possession of a valid and active Maine driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and adequate insurance, or access to reliable transportation

Additional Job Information:

• Full-time (40 hr) position is based in Rockland, ME, with hybrid-remote options available.
• Starting at $23.50/hr with excellent benefits as well as mileage reimbursement

How to apply:

All applicants should submit a current resume and cover letter to: hiringcommittee@newhopemidcoast.org. Please add “Community and Legal Advocate” to the subject field. After reviewing applications, we will contact selected applicants for interviews. Applications for this position will be accepted until a suitable candidate it found.

We strongly encourage those with the following identities to apply: Black, Indigenous, and people of color, people with intersecting identities - LGBTQIA+, women and non binary people, people living with disabilities and others with lived experience being part of marginalized communities.