Safe Passage has an opening for a full time Domestic Violence Legal Advocate. Safe Passage is DeKalb County's only domestic violence shelter and sexual assault agency. Providing an array of free and confidential services to survivors of abuse such as counseling, legal and medical advocacy, case management, and shelter.
We believe self-care is extremely important with the work we do; therefore, we make sure our staff have a home/work life balance.
Summary/Objective
This position will educate and assist victims in the effective utilization of the criminal and civil justice system. This position will also provide crisis intervention services to clients on the phone, or who walk in. This position provides but is not limited to the following services: legal advocacy, crisis intervention, information and referral, and others to promote the empowerment and independence of these clients.
This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or confidential information and will represent Safe Passage in a variety of capacities. Must demonstrate good judgment, an ability to be approachable and professional, solid problem-solving skills, an ability to handle multiple tasks, an ability to be self-motivated and well organized, and maintain strict confidentiality.
Essential Functions
- Provides support and legal information to all domestic violence clients.
- Provides legal advocacy, including, but not limited to, the preparation of civil and criminal orders of protection.
- Provide legal advocacy for divorce and family cases.
- Accompanies clients to court for criminal and civil proceedings.
- Attends bond calls and makes information about legal options and Safe Passage services available to survivors.
- Maintains relationship with criminal justice resources.
- Remains current on relevant legal issues.
- Participate in case consultations regarding clients with other programs.
- Provide advocacy for clients with other agencies in the community (e.g., DCFS, police departments, State’s Attorney, etc.)
- Participate in on-call by responding to domestic violence and sexual assault calls at the hospitals and police departments.
- Maintain all paperwork and client files in a professional manner. Complete all necessary client documentation accurately and on time and in accordance with funder’s requirements.
- Be informed and knowledgeable about grant requirements. Work with Supervisor to ensure that all service-related requirements and expectations are met.
- Participate in staff meetings and supervision.
- Participate in trainings and webinars to further professional development.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in human services field from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience working with domestic violence survivors, sexual assault survivors, and in community mental health.
- 40 hours trained in both sexual assault and domestic violence.
- Spanish speaking
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
It is a direct service client support position requiring the exercise of discretion and good judgment and is required to work a full-time work week, including evenings.
Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible for the following insurance: health, dental, vision, life, short term and long-term disability insurance.
Safe Passage offer a generous PTO package for full time employees. Safe Passage recognizes the hard work our team does and wants to make sure they have time for self-care, work/life balance.
EEO Statement
Safe Passage provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Safe Passage complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Must possess and maintain an applicable Illinois Driver License and Auto Insurance that meets the State requirement.
Safe Passage expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
