Legal Advocate

Company: YWCA Evanston North Shore
Location: Evanston
Posted on: January 19, 2023

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