First Appearance & Detention Court Specialist

The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment

General Summary:

The First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist is responsible for gathering information from individuals/clients for the Public Defender, which will be utilized during the individuals/clients Initial Appearance hearing in accordance with Article 110 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The individuals have been arrested and are detained by the Cook County Sheriff and are awaiting their hearing in Initial Appearance Court.

Performance Results Description

The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.

Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity and Evidence Based Innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Interface and Service

• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist work closely with the Public Defender’s Office in gathering documents associated with individuals that have been arrested and are waiting for their initial appearance court hearing.
• Individuals who have been arrested and are waiting for the initial court hearing are detained in a holding area in Cook County Criminal Courthouse.
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist interview detaining to provide information to the Public Defenders for the initial Appearance Court.
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist may be required to interview Clients’ family, friends, and witnesses in their home and places of work throughout the Cook County to gather information needed for legal representation in court.
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist verify all information gathered from clients to determine accuracy and validity, i.e., conducting site visits to homes, employers, etc. as needed.
• Provide intensive follow-up on each case to ensure that all steps in the process have been completed according to defined process, procedures, and standards.
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist shall be required to upload data into internal systems.
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist will attend the Initial Appearance court hearing and record the outcome of each hearing.
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist will provide family support/information to Clients’ family members and friends regarding the hearing.
• Specialist shall track all contacts with Clients and submit reports to the Public Defenders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment

• Use established best practice tools and techniques, such as motivational interviewing, to obtain information.

  
  

  Tracking, Document, and Reporting

• Thoroughly and accurately document client responses and provide comprehensive reports in a timely manner.

• Track all contacts and submit regular reports on progress.

  
  

  Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skilled in active listening and conveying information to others effectively

• Skilled in Social Perceptiveness (awareness of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do)

• Skilled in Critical Thinking, judgment and decision-making

• Oral and written communication skills, i.e., descriptive writing skills are essential

• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle with current, active insurance

• Geographical knowledge and ability to travel within Cook County

• Hands-on experience and self-sufficiency with Microsoft productivity tools, including Outlook (for email), Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and online collaboration tools (video conferencing, Zoom/Teams, messaging).

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is Highly Desired.

  
  

  Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in related discipline (counseling, psychology, criminal justice) with two years of experience working with underserved populations.

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment which requires a quick response and resolution to issues as they occur.

  
  

  Licenses and or Certifications:

Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans

www.saferfoundation.org

No Phone Calls Please