Legal Advocate
Company: YWCA Evanston North Shore
Location: Evanston
Posted on: January 19, 2023
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Job Description:
Description:
This position works primarily 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.
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 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 clients of the program
Develops and maintains relationships with courthouse personnel and
community partners
Administers an evaluation process to 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 written narratives 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
Participates in community and agency committees as assigned
Pursues professional development
Understands and adheres to all of 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: 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
YWCA requires that all employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19
and submit proof of vaccination to Human Resources unless a request
for a medical or religious accommodation is granted
Technology/Equipment:
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's Degree in related field
Experience and/or Training:
Experience with court systems and the legal advocacy needs of
survivors
Experience providing trainings on issues surrounding domestic
violence
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
Intermittent (less than 15%), Occasional (15-45%), Frequent
(50-75%), and Continuous (over 75%).
Frequent travel between agency sites is expected.
Intermittent nights and/or weekends required for events or
meetings
Occasional local and intermittent statewide travel 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 are
representative of 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 occasionally have meetings or work in other
locations
The work environment characteristics described here are
representative of those an individual encounters while performing
the essential functions of this position
PM22
PI201386456
Keywords: YWCA Evanston North Shore, Evanston , Legal Advocate, Legal , Evanston, Illinois
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