Job Title: Court Advocate
Classification: Full-Time,
Non-Exempt
ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY
Between Friends envisions
a community without domestic violence where equality, safety, and justice exist
for all. Between Friends provides a safe, supportive and empowering environment
for individuals and families in crisis. Between Friends' counselors and
advocates empower individuals to make their own decisions and choices, rather
than making choices for them. Between Friends helps survivors and children to
recognize that their experience is shared and that the problem of domestic
violence is social and political. To learn more about its programs.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Court Advocate provides
advocacy to people seeking orders of protection in civil and criminal court in
Chicago.
Program (75%)
Helps survivors of domestic violence to understand their rights and the legal
remedies available to them under Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA)
Assists clients in obtaining Orders of Protection and navigating the court
processes by working with judges, court clerks, assistant state’s attorneys,
etc.; supports clients through scheduled hearings at court; and provides
resources/referrals for clients
Assist client in filing for survivor’s compensation
Identifies barriers to service for domestic violence survivors within the court
and police systems and recommends solutions to advocate on behalf of individual
survivors
Conducts presentations about the IDVA, Orders of Protection and the criminal
justice process for volunteer training, new staff, court and police personnel
and community groups
Assists with training and
guidance of volunteers and interns providing court advocacy
Administrative (20%)
Maintains case documentations and submits necessary information to the Court
Advocacy Manager for statistical reporting
Completes Court Advocacy Program documentation and case log sheets in a timely
manner
Participates in individual and group supervision coordinated by Court Advocacy
Manager
Works with Court Advocacy
Manager to arrange daily schedule to meet the needs of clients and the agency
General (5%)
Staffs the crisis line on an as-needed basis
Participates in the crisis line on-call rotation as needed
Participates in a variety of coalitions and committees to
form collaborative responses to domestic violence
Participates in agency events as needed
Provides services as determined by Board of Director’s
policies
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences
Previous experience in domestic violence services, advocacy
or the court process preferred
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position operates primarily in the Chicago Domestic
Violence Courthouse, which is fully accessible. It occasionally operates in a
professional office environment that is not fully accessible (stairs and no
elevator)
This role routinely uses office equipment such as computers,
phones, photocopiers, scanners, filing cabinets, and fax machines
This is a full time position. Occasional evenings and
weekends may be required
Some travel to off-site locations in the Chicago metro area
is required
Workplace is a smoke-and drug-free environment
Equal opportunity employer. Decisions and criteria governing
the employment relationship with all employees are made in a non-discriminatory
manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship
status, military service and/or marital status, order of protection status,
handicap, disability, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal,
state, or local statues.
APPLY
Please apply with cover letter and resume to
recruiter@pieorg.org