Monique Small
Upper Marlboro,Maryland
Summary
Results-driven professional with a robust background in legal advocacy and crisis intervention. Known for strong communication and collaboration skills, effectively supporting survivors through tailored service plans and community engagement initiatives.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Advocate/Intake Specialist
Prince George's County Family Justice Center
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
02.2023 - Current
- Delivered crisis intervention, emotional support, and safety planning for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse, ensuring immediate and trauma-informed response.
- Conducted thorough intake interviews, performed risk assessments, and developed tailored safety and service plans; facilitated client access to internal and community-based support and monitored progress through documentation.
- Assisted clients with filing and drafting Domestic Violence Protective Orders and provided court accompaniment to support survivors during hearings, ensuring they were informed and prepared for legal proceedings.
- Coordinated client referrals across multidisciplinary partner agencies, ensuring seamless linkage to legal, counseling, housing, and related supports, in alignment with coordinated community response efforts.
- Maintained high-quality data collection and reporting for intake services and grant metrics, tracking outcomes and producing structured summary reports for stakeholder review.
- Educated clients on navigating the civil and criminal justice systems, providing options counseling and connecting them with appropriate legal and advocacy resources.
- Contributed to community outreach and awareness efforts, participating in local stakeholder committees and regional workgroups to advocate for and represent client needs.
- Assisted with training and technical guidance for new intake or advocacy staff, stepping into leadership roles when needed and supporting a collaborative team environment.
- Utilized client database systems effectively to record service activities, referrals, and case updates, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
Legal Advocate
House of Ruth Maryland
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
10.2022 - 02.2023
- Collaborated with attorneys on case strategy and client advocacy initiatives.
- Maintained organized case files and documentation for easy access and review.
- Provided legal information, advocacy, and referral services to victims of intimate partner violence.
- Maintained liaisons with court personnel and justice agencies to ensure client access to services.
- Supported clients through protective and peace order proceedings, including preparation, and emotional support.
- Tracked service outcomes, and produced timely grant reports.
Legal Assistant
Prince George's County States Attorney's Office
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
10.2020 - 08.2022
- Communicated with clients to schedule appointments and gather information.
- Served as the primary liaison between victims, attorneys, and court staff, ensuring timely communication and support.
- Managed case files, discovery, and scheduling for trial preparation.
- Directed victims to appropriate services, and ensured sensitive information was handled with discretion.
- Provided administrative support to attorneys by managing calendars; scheduling appointments; organizing files; preparing correspondence; filing court documents; and obtaining necessary signatures.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology & Criminal Justice
University of Maryland, College Park
College Park, MDSkills
- Crisis intervention
- Risk assessment
- Legal advocacy
- Safety planning
- Data collection
- Client relationship management
Certification
- SPARC: Risk Assessment and Safety Planning (Stalking)
- Trauma-Informed Care Training
- Intentional Communication Workshop
Timeline
Program Advocate/Intake Specialist
Prince George's County Family Justice Center
02.2023 - Current
Legal Advocate
House of Ruth Maryland
10.2022 - 02.2023
Legal Assistant
Prince George's County States Attorney's Office
10.2020 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology & Criminal Justice
University of Maryland, College Park