Court Advocate

Benefits:

• 403(B) Matching
• 403(B)
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

SUMMARY:
The Court Advocate provides court advocacy to agency clients and upholds the Mission & Values of the Crisis Center for South Suburbia.

About Crisis Center for South Suburbia
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit organization committed to providing emergency shelter and essential services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. We serve thousands of individuals annually across the south suburban Chicago area, offering a comprehensive range of support services. We value inclusivity, professionalism, and ethical service delivery, and we encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provides court advocacy for clients, both agency and court referrals; serves as a liaison between domestic violence court and police.
• Provides consistent information to victims who are court clients and non-clients who are in need of DV options relevant to their situations, either in person or telephone inquiries, as it pertains to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act.
• Provides crisis intervention, safety planning and emotional support. Educates victims on the dynamics of domestic violence
• Provides information and referrals to additional services and legal resources.

Collaboration and Training

• Work alongside other court personnel who are also integral parts of the judicial process - i.e., judges, sheriffs, clerks, state’s attorneys, public defenders, private attorneys who participate in the daily process. Advocates must be flexible with all personalities to ensure a positive work environment.
• Collaborates with court advocacy staff, designated volunteers/interns in the criminal courts to develop and maintain effective programs.
• Assists in discussions of court advocacy relevant to case management and necessary agency paperwork.
• Facilitates Legal Support Group, Legal Issues and Legal Topics sessions of the 40-hour Domestic Violence Training at CCSS.
• Facilitates Domestic Violence Training to police officers.
• Assists the Court Advocacy Supervisor in planning and implementation of training and educational programs for police, judges and state’s attorneys. Networks with other agencies.

Organizational/Administrative responsibilities

• Attends Court Advocacy staff meetings and any other meetings at the request of the Court Advocacy Supervisor.
• Maintains CCSS policies and procedures.
• Adheres to court etiquette and maintains a professional demeanor at all times.
• Has knowledge of Illinois Domestic Violence Act
• Other duties as assigned.

Education Required:

• Associate’s degree

Experience Required:

• 1-3 years of experience working with families in crisis
• Experience working with DV Victims
• Strong organizational, project management, and workflow skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Other Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Commitment to non-violence within families and homes
• Must have the ability to create a comprehensive plan and follow through with strong attention to detail
• This person must be a highly organized problem solver, have excellent relationship building skills in a fast-paced work environment

Schedule:
Business work week

Top Benefits & Perks:
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Life insurance and additional voluntary benefits.
Paid time off (PTO), including holidays and sick leave.
403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
Professional development opportunities.
Supportive and collaborative work environment.

Location:
This position is based in the south suburban Chicago area, providing convenient access to schools and community partners within the region.