Legal Advocate

YWCA Evanston/North Shore•Skokie, IL

9d•$20 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in Skokie, Illinois. The Legal Advocate, as part of a larger domestic violence services team, provides court-based legal advocacy services for survivors of domestic violence seeking orders of protection. Based in the Skokie Courthouse YWCA office, the position requires significant versatility, flexibility, patience, and initiative to effectively navigate the complexity and unpredictably of the court system. The Legal Advocate shows a deep commitment to creating a warm, welcoming, and trauma-informed space for all.

Requirements

High School Degree or equivalent
At least 1 year of experience delivering direct services to survivors of trauma.
Successful completion of the Illinois 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training certificate within 60 days of start
Acquisition of the Certified Domestic Violence Professional credential within 12 months of employment
First Aid/CPR within 6 months of employment
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, legal studies, or other related fields.
At least 3 years of experience with court systems and the legal advocacy needs of survivors.
Experience providing training on issues surrounding domestic violence.
Experience submitting reporting documentation and completing intake paperwork.
Illinois 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training Certificate
Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional license.
Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance
Fluency in a second language
Intermediate proficiency with virtual services technology
Intermediate proficiency with online case management systems
Intermediate?proficiency?in navigating court system?databases
Access to a reliable, personal?auto for business use??

Responsibilities

Provides legal advocacy and support to survivors of domestic violence at Cook County’s District 2 Courthouse and at YWCA Evanston/North Shore.
Assists survivors of domestic violence with understanding their legal rights under the IDVA, seeking orders of protection, and accompanies them to court. At the request of a client, advocates on their behalf with the opposing party, the court system, and law enforcement.
Maintains relationship with courthouse personnel and community partners.
Provides safety planning and assessment to all clients accessing legal advocacy services.
Facilitates legal information groups for survivors of domestic violence.
Assists with preparation and timely submission of all client-related court documents; all court documents must be completed with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Refers clients to legal service providers and community partners as needed.
Provides follow-up services to active program clients.
Develops and maintains relationships with courthouse personnel and community partners.
Administers an evaluation process for the clients.
Works as an integral member of the Domestic Violence team and attends weekly case review meetings.
Completes and submits in a timely fashion all necessary reporting documentation, including Salesforce entry on all interactions with clients.
Oversees completion of intake paperwork for assigned clients.
Submits monthly reports in a timely fashion.
Reports on goals and objectives identified in government grants and foundations as appropriate.
Contributes to day-to-day office tasks by obtaining and creating necessary client and court documentation.
Participates as a trainer in delivering domestic violence training, including but not limited to the state-required 40-hour domestic violence training program and other community-based training on domestic violence.
Attends staff training and participates in agency committees.
Pursues professional development.
Understands and adheres to all YWCA Evanston/North Shore procedures and policies as well as YWCA Employee Handbook.
Performs other duties as assigned by management.