SUMMARY: 

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

 
Schedule: 8:30-4:30 M-F

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.

*** Spanish-Speaking Candidates Strongly Preferred

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 consistent and caring crisis intervention, safety planning and emotional support.  Educates victims on the dynamics of domestic violence as needed in the course of providing court advocacy services to clients. 

·         Provides information and referrals to additional services and legal resources. 

 

Collaboration and Training 

·         Must be prepared to 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, and other official officers of the court 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. 

 

·         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:
·         Bachelor's Degree

Experience Required:
·         1-3 years of experience working with courts, domestic violence survivors, or in social work

Other Requirements:
·         Valid Driver’s License.
·         Ability to maintain confidentiality and provide trauma-informed services.