Advocate 555-Legal

Family Rescue•Chicago, IL

5d•$39,000 - $40,000

About The Position

The Legal Advocate assists in developing and implementing services for adult victims of domestic violence. The role provides advocacy, information, and support, and connects clients with needed services. The advocate works with clients in court to obtain Orders of Protection, provides crisis intervention and follow-up, and develops and monitors individualized service plans. The position also coordinates with community organizations and internal programs, provides case management and documentation, conducts client intake and screening, and maintains follow-up services for at least six months after clients leave Family Rescue services. This is a full-time, non-exempt salaried position of 35 or more hours per week, which may include some evenings and weekends. The position reports to the Program Director and does not supervise other staff. Work is primarily in an office setting with moderate noise; local and regional travel is required, and outdoor weather exposure may occur.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social service or a related field; an associate degree with at least two years of applicable experience may be considered; a high school diploma with at least four years of applicable experience may also be considered.
Complete 40-hour domestic violence training within three months of hire.
Obtain CPR/first aid certification within one year of hire.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups in varied settings.
Ability to write clearly, logically, and with correct grammar.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common reports and documents.
Ability to respond professionally and promptly to clients, coworkers, supervisors, and others.
Ability to plan and organize logically, prioritize, and multitask efficiently.
Proficiency with computers and various software packages.
Ability to use a standard telephone and general office equipment.
Ability to stand and walk for up to two-thirds or more of the time, sit for up to one-third of the time, and use hands and/or fingers for up to two-thirds or more of the time.
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds for up to one-third of the time.
Ability to hear and talk for two-thirds or more of the time and have clear vision at least up to 20 inches.
Ability to work in an office setting with moderate noise, travel locally and regionally, and potentially be exposed to outdoor weather conditions for one-third to two-thirds of the time.

Nice To Haves

Spanish speaking, reading, and writing ability may be required.

Responsibilities

Assist clients in court with obtaining Orders of Protection.
Provide follow-up services to walk-in and referred clients.
Provide crisis intervention to walk-in, call-in, and otherwise referred clients.
Develop service plans jointly with clients, monitor progress, and adjust plans as needed, with clearly specified time frames.
May provide employment counseling and job-placement referrals.
Coordinate and advocate on behalf of clients and/or Family Rescue with social service, mental health, substance abuse, housing, legal, and law enforcement organizations, among others.
Serve as a liaison between Family Rescue and the community.
Coordinate with internal agency programs to connect clients with appropriate services.
Provide case management and documentation, complete required documentation promptly, and maintain records, files, and reports as directed.
Complete client intake and screening for services.
Provide follow-up for at least six months after clients leave Family Rescue services.
Attend required or scheduled staff meetings and trainings.
Assist with picking up and distributing donations.
Research or gather resources to assist clients or perform job duties.
Assist with cleaning and maintaining office or building spaces.
Assist with transportation to scheduled appointments.
Assist other inter-agency and inter-program services.
Perform other duties as assigned.