Survivors First, Legal Navigator

Survivors FIRST (Facilitating Information and Resources for Survivors of Trauma) is a collaborative initiative with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The program supports survivor-defendants of gender-based violence, individuals who have experienced abuse and are also navigating related criminal charges, by connecting them to intervention services as an alternative to prosecution.

This program centers those most impacted by systemic inequities, particularly Black and African American women and other survivors of color, and works to address racial disproportionality in the criminal legal system through culturally responsive, trauma-informed support.

As a Legal Navigator, you will provide trauma-informed, client-centered advocacy to survivors of gender-based violence who are navigating both the criminal and civil legal systems. You will work with individuals who are often furthest from opportunity, supporting them through complex legal processes while connecting them to resources that promote safety, stability, and long-term well-being.

This role is deeply rooted in social justice and requires the ability to think critically about the intersections of racism, poverty, and gender-based violence. You will play a key role in advancing equitable outcomes for survivors while building strong partnerships across legal and community systems

Note: This position is fully onsite and includes regular presence in YWCA offices and community

settings across Seattle and South King County.

Support survivors in navigating both criminal and civil legal systems, including court accompaniment, referrals, and guidance on matters such as protection orders, family law, landlord-tenant issues, immigration, and CPS cases

· Partner closely with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and other legal professionals to coordinate care, staff cases, and support survivors through hearings and legal processes

· Conduct outreach and build relationships with community partners, including legal systems, public health, and social service agencies, to increase access to services and referrals

· Provide advocacy and connection to resources for survivors across community settings, including direct support to individuals who are incarcerated through engagement within jail systems as needed

· Deliver community education and presentations on gender-based violence, with a focus on prevention, awareness, and supporting marginalized communities

· Facilitate or co-facilitate healing circles or support groups for survivors

· Complete client intakes promptly to ensure survivors can access services without delay, recognizing that support is often requested during times of crisis and requires a high level of responsiveness

· Maintain accurate, timely, and audit-ready client documentation across required systems, ensuring case notes, time tracking, and reporting are clear, thorough, and up to date

· Participate in ongoing professional development, including required advocacy-based training and continuing education

· Actively engage in YWCA’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), contributing to a workplace and service model grounded in equity and inclusion

· Follow all safety protocols and actively participate in emergency preparedness and training activities

· Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related field with at least one (1) year of experience working with survivors of gender-based violence; OR two (2) to three (3) years of experience (professional or lived expertise) working with survivors of gender-based violence

· Knowledge of criminal and civil legal systems, including protection orders, family law, and related processes

· Strong advocacy skills and ability to navigate multiple systems (e.g., legal, housing, public benefits, CPS)

· Knowledge of community resources in King County and surrounding areas

· Demonstrated ability to manage crisis situations while maintaining professional boundaries

· Experience working with communities of color, with a demonstrated commitment to anti-racist practice and an understanding of how racism, culture, and systemic inequities—including the intersection of racism and poverty—impact survivors’ experiences

· Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and multidisciplinary teams

· Strong organizational and documentation skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities

· Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office and data entry systems

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

· Ability to travel throughout King County; valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle required

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

· Completion of 20 hours of domestic violence advocacy training within 30 days of hire (preferred at time of hire