Legal Advocate

Description: 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 unpredictability of the court system.
The Legal Advocate shows a deep commitment to creating a warm, welcoming, and trauma-informed space for all.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Legal Advocacy Services (85%) 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 relationships 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 clients of the program.
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.
Record Keeping and Documentation (10%) 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.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES (5%) 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.
An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.
Requirements: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: High School Degree or equivalent Experience and/or Training: At least 1 year experience delivering direct services to survivors of trauma.
Licenses/Certificates: Successful completion of 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 Technology/Equipment: Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, legal studies, or other related fields.
Experience and/or Training: 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.
Licenses/Certificates: Illinois 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training Certificate Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional license.
Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance Language: Fluency in Spanish Technology/Equipment: Intermediate proficiency with virtual services technology Intermediate proficiency with online case management systems Intermediate proficiency in navigating court system databases.
Access to reliable, personal auto for business use PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Frequent travel between agency sites is expected.
Intermittent nights and/or weekends required for events or meetings Occasional local and intermittent statewide travel is required Tolerance of prolonged and continuous stationary periods at a desk/computer Occasionally required to stand, walk, climb stairs, reach with hands and arms, and reach above shoulders Occasionally required to push, pull, lift and/or move up to 10 pounds Must be able to move about the facility Must be able to operate controls for computers and other equipment The mental and physical requirements described here represent those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT This position works primarily at the District #2 Skokie Courthouse in both office and courtroom environments.
Employee may be required to share office space.
Employee may be required to work from home.
Employee will frequently have meetings or work in other buildings.
The work environment characteristics described here represent those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
*Note: YWCA is committed to pay range transparency.
Candidates are offered compensation based on how their qualifications meet those of the position.
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