Civil Protection Order Court Navigator

Job Overview: The Community Peace Center of Central Washington (CPC), formerly the Dispute Resolution Center of Yakima & Kittitas Counties, provides services and training for people to resolve disputes peacefully through mediation and other services. Our goal is to build strong, compassionate, and peaceful families, businesses, and communities. We are now hiring a Civil Protection Order Court Navigator to be based out of the Yakima County Courthouse and our Yakima office. The CPC offers a competitive wage, along with a full benefits package. 

Purpose of the Position: The Civil Protection Order Court Navigator (PTOCN) supports self-represented litigants navigating Washington State protection order processes under Chapter 7.105 RCW (Uniform Civil Protection Order Act). This role provides procedural guidance and trauma-informed support to ensure equitable access to justice in both the Superior and District Court. The Navigator does not provide legal advice but facilitates access to forms and community resources in compliance with RCW 2.56.180 (Access to Justice) and Washington State Court rules.  

EMPLOYEE TYPE: Hourly, 36 hours a week 

WAGE RANGE: $22 – $27 per hour, depending on education and experience 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Greet and assist petitioners, respondents, and other court users seeking protection orders under RCW 7.105, including Domestic Violence, Anti-Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Vulnerable Adult. 
• Explain court processes, timelines, and procedural steps in clear and accessible language—without offering legal advice. 
• Assist litigants in completing court forms and accessing interpreters or disability accommodations as needed. 
• Provide referrals to community resources, such as advocacy programs, legal aid, shelters, counseling, and law enforcement. 
• Escort litigants between courtrooms, clerk counters, and designated waiting areas when appropriate for safety and support. 
• Facilitate communication between court users and court staff to minimize confusion and delays. 
• Assist in managing and fulfilling VOCA grant requirements, as directed by the Office of Victim Advocacy (Washington State Department of Commerce), completing and submitting monthly reports on time.  
• Maintain records of services provided for reporting or grant compliance purposes. 
• Data collection, entry, reporting, and evaluation: track, gather, and report data for the purposes of ongoing program evaluation and assessment.  
• Participate in mediation and de-escalation training, as well as training related to trauma-informed practices, domestic violence, crisis response, confidentiality, and cultural competency. 
• Assist with developing informational materials, signage, or FAQs to improve public understanding of the CPO process. 
• Ensure safety and confidentiality protocols are followed at all times. 
• Other duties as assigned  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish 
• High school diploma or equivalent  
• Completion of the Mediator Certification process (when next offered) 
• Excellent time management and organizational skills 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule 
• Ability to manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment 
• Ability to collaborate cooperatively with staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners and communicate effectively orally and in writing 
• Ability to abide by the ethical standards and values of the CPC: 
• neutrality/impartiality 
• confidentiality 
• self-determination 
• professional competence 
• equity 
• social justice 
• Experience working in courts, legal services, social services, advocacy, or high-volume public contact environments 
• Strong communication skills with the ability to remain neutral, composed, and empathetic. 
• Familiarity with Washington State court processes.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, computers, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) website and form access, as well as electronic filing systems 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Law & Justice, Criminal Justice, Social Services, Public Administration, or related field  
• Experience working with survivors of trauma, domestic violence, or crisis response 
• Knowledge of court procedures or legal terminology 
• Training in mediation, emotional intelligence, de-escalation, cultural competency, and/or victim advocacy 
• Knowledge of Yakima County community resources, especially as they relate to domestic violence, housing mental health, or legal aid 
• Experience with Odyssey case management systems, and AOC online portals 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Work is performed at the Yakima County Courthouse in an office area, in courtrooms, clerk counters, and public service areas, as well as at the CPC office. 
• Frequent interaction with individuals experiencing high stress, trauma, or conflict 
• May involve periodic exposure to high-conflict or potentially volatile situations (safety protocols and staff support are provided). 
• Must follow Yakima County Security protocols and maintain confidentiality consistent with RCW 7.105.150 and GR 31.1. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: 

• Pay Range: $22 – $27 an hour, depending on education and/or experience 
• Benefits: The CPC provides employees with medical insurance 
• Schedule: 36 hours per week, TBD with supervisor and Yakima County Court Administrator 

Application Deadline: Saturday, January 24th 2026.

Resume, Letter of Interest, and three professional references should be submitted to Carolyn Thurston, Executive Director – carolyn.thurston@cpcocw.org