Firearms Restraining Order Coordinator (Grant-Funded)

Cook County • Chicago, IL

7h • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Deputy Chief, the Firearms Restraining Order Coordinator develops strategies relating to Firearms Restraining Order operations. Consults with and advises the Deputy Chief on development, implementation, and promulgation of policies and practices relating to these operations. Manages special projects for the Deputy Chief as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, public relations, criminal justice, psychology, behavioral sciences or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in the Cook County court system and navigation of protective orders within the system.
• Advanced Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills required for teamwork and interaction with Cook County Sheriff’s Office personnel, as well as with external partners and the general public.
• Communication skills involving clear, rapid, and accurate dissemination of information. Ability to write content in plain language.
• Experience working in a fast-changing work environment with multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Ability to work well in cross-cultural contexts and sensitivity to different cultures.
• Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong work ethic, self-motivation, and willingness to adapt to changing and challenging circumstances.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• A graduate degree in communications, public relations, public policy, law, criminal justice, or a related field of education, including any study of red flag laws.
• At least five (5) years’ experience in firearms-related criminal investigations and case management.
• Strong command of the Firearms Restraining Order Act; must also possess experience filing, or directly supervising the filing of Firearms Restraining Orders and any related seizure orders.
• Strong command of the Firearm Owner’s Identification Act; must also possess experience submitting, or directly supervising the submission of, clear and present danger reports to the Illinois State Police.
• At least three (3) years’ experience in a supervisory or leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of officers, respondents, and any other persons by coordinating with law enforcement agencies on the service of the orders and dispossession of firearms - providing detailed information about respondents and their firearms, informing officers of any available services and programs to which they can connect respondents.
• Assist in increasing awareness of Firearms Restraining Orders through targeted education and outreach efforts, including working with other agencies to provide training opportunities and by making coordinator’s contact information easily accessible.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement officials at the local, state, federal levels, other agencies, and the general public on matters such as service of both firearms protective and seizure orders.
• Maintain familiarity with the Firearm Owner’s Identification Card and Firearms Restraining Order Acts, including understanding how clear and present danger submissions intersect with Firearms Restraining Orders.
• Work with crisis intervention programs and service providers to connect respondents to treatment options that can help address the crisis that led to the Firearms Restraining Order, as well as attends Firearms Restraining Order hearings to provide support for petitioners.
• Engage in robust data collection and analysis of Firearms Restraining Orders county-wide, conducting research necessary to develop and implement long-range goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with system actors to develop an infrastructure to improve the procedures and operational protocols, identifying legislative initiatives to address any barriers, advocate for any necessary funding to support implementation, and recommend any statutory changes to improve the law.
• Complete tasks set forth by the Deputy Chief, such as providing weekly reports including metrics detailing individual activity, as well as the Sheriff’s Office’s progress on operational initiatives, while demonstrating accountability for project deadlines and successful completion of projects.
• Support, communicate, reinforce, and defend the mission, values, and culture of the organization while adhering to the code of ethics and always exhibits professionalism in an effort to improve overall function.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health Insurance Program – Health insurance coverage includes medical, dental and vision care and is available for an employee and his/her eligible dependents.
• Holidays – Thirteen (13) Holidays are granted in each Fiscal Year. Employees who are active at the beginning of the fiscal year (December 1st) also qualify for a floating holiday.
• Sick Leave – Granted sick leave is earned and accrued at the rate of one (1) day for each month of service and may be accumulated up to one hundred and seventy-five (175) working days.
• Vacation Leave – Granted Vacation leave is earned and accrued, with employees having the opportunity to accrue fifteen (15) days within the Fiscal Year; Vacation leave accruals increase based on an employee’s anniversary date of employment.
• Life Insurance – Basic term life insurance, equal to one (1) time the employee’s annual salary, is offered to every employee at no cost and the employee may elect to purchase supplemental coverage.
• Pension Plan – Employees contribute into the Cook County Pension Fund and earn a prescribed percentage for each year of service; employees may be eligible for an annual annuity after ten (10) years of service and upon reaching a certain age based on when the employee started employment.
• Deferred Compensation Program – Employees may elect to enroll in a deferred compensation plan, a tax deferred plan which may be used as a supplemental retirement option.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees