Legal Outreach Advocate

Description

This position works primarily in Skokie, Illinois.

The Legal Outreach 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, with a special emphasis on outreach and education to immigrant survivors. The Advocate works collaboratively with colleagues to develop and implement strategies to increase the use of domestic violence services by immigrant communities who face unique barriers to accessing community-based services. The position will deliver community education and training about the legal system, and options and resources for domestic violence survivors. The Advocate will occasionally accompany immigrant survivors on visits to other courthouses.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Advocacy Services (65%)

• 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
• Facilitates legal information groups for immigrant survivors of domestic violence.
• Provides safety planning and assessment to all clients accessing legal advocacy services
• 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
• As needed, accompanies clients as they navigate complex legal institutions in other localities
• Provides follow-up services to active clients of the program
• Administers an evaluation process to the clients
• Works as integral member of Domestic Violence team and attends weekly case review meetings

Community Outreach & Education (20%)

• Collaborates with program director to help build the capacity to serve immigrant survivors which could include developing and implementing targeted outreach strategies, creating program materials and curricula, and generally increasing immigrant communities’ engagement in our services.
• Collaborates with the domestic violence project team focused on expanding services to the immigrant community on the North Shore to develop and implement outreach and education plans, including regularly providing trainings and tabling on relevant legal topics.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with area service providers and community leaders.
• 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.

Record Keeping and Documentation: (10%)

• Completes and submits in timely fashion all necessary reporting documentation, including written narratives on all interactions with clients.
• Oversees completion of intake and ongoing paperwork for assigned clients.
• Submits monthly activity reports in 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%)

•  Provides and attends staff trainings and participates in agency committees.
•  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.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Degree or equivalent

Experience and/or Training:

•  Experience delivering direct services to survivors of trauma
•  Proficiency in Spanish

Licenses/Certificates:

•  Successful completion of Illinois 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training within 60 days of start
•  Successful completion of ICDVP exam within 12 months of start
•  First Aid/CPR within 6 months of employment
•  Valid driver’s license and auto insurance
•  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:

•  Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
•  Reliable access to automobile

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Counseling, Social Work, Legal Studies, or other related fields

Experience and/or Training:

•  At least 4 years’ experience working with domestic violence survivors
•  Experience with court systems and the legal advocacy needs of domestic violence survivors
•  Knowledge of Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA)
• Experience working with immigrants and other marginalized populations
•  Fluency in Spanish

Licenses/Certificates:

•  40-Hour Illinois domestic Violence Training
•  ICDVP Certification

Technology/Equipment:

•  Familiarity with virtual services technology and case management software

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Intermittent (less than 15%), Occasional (15-45%), Frequent (50-75%), and Continuous (over 75%).

•  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

•  Employee may be required to share office space
•  Employee may be required to work in a cubicle in an open office arrangement
•  Employee may be required to work from home
•  Employee will frequently have meetings, trainings, or work in other buildings

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.