Advocate 555-RIA Legal

Family Rescue•Chicago, IL

5d•$39,000 - $40,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Advocate assists in developing and implementing services for adult victims of domestic violence. The Advocate provides advocacy, information, and support, and connects clients with needed services. The role includes supporting clients in court to obtain Orders of Protection, providing crisis intervention and follow-up, and jointly developing and monitoring client service plans. The Advocate coordinates with community and social-service organizations, internal agency programs, and other entities on behalf of clients or Family Rescue. The position also includes intake and screening, case management and documentation, community liaison work, and at least six months of follow-up after clients leave Family Rescue services. The Advocate attends required or scheduled meetings and training and may perform additional assigned duties. This is a full-time, non-exempt salaried position, defined as 35 or more hours per week, and may include some evenings and weekends. The role reports to the Program Director and does not supervise staff. Work is performed 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 and first aid certification within one year of hire.
Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups in varied settings.
Ability to write logically, clearly, and grammatically correctly.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common reports and documents.
Ability to respond professionally and promptly to the needs or requests of clients, coworkers, supervisors, and others.
Ability to plan and organize logically, prioritize, and multitask efficiently.
Proficiency using 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; use hands and/or fingers for up to two-thirds or more of the time; lift up to 10 pounds for up to one-third of the time; hear and talk for two-thirds or more of the time; and have clear vision at a minimum of 20 inches.
Ability to travel locally and regionally.

Nice To Haves

Spanish speaking, reading, and writing skills 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; monitor program goals, objectives, and quality, with time frames clearly specified.
May provide employment counseling and job-placement referrals.
Coordinate and advocate on behalf of clients and/or Family Rescue with outside entities, including social service, mental health, substance abuse, housing, legal, and law-enforcement organizations.
Serve as a liaison between Family Rescue and the community.
Work with internal agency programs to connect clients with appropriate services.
Complete timely case-management documentation and maintain required records, files, and reports.
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.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Assist with picking up and distributing donations.
Research or gather resources to assist clients or perform the job.
Help maintain and clean office and building spaces.
Assist with transportation to scheduled appointments.
Assist other inter-agency and inter-program programs.