Court Advocate

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionBenefits:

• 403b
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Training & development

Job Title: Court Advocate
Program: Advocacy Services
Reports to: Court Advocacy Supervisor
Schedule: Monday Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Classification: Full Time-Exempt
Job Classification: Advocate
Requirements: Bachelors degree, valid driver's license
Skills: Strong project management and personal workflow skills, proficient in Microsoft office, detail orientated

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

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide Court Advocacy to agency clients
1. Provides court advocacy for clients, both agency and court referrals; serves as a liaison between domestic violence court and police.
2. 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.
3. Provides consistent and caring crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support and educate victims on the dynamics of domestic violence as needed in the course of providing court advocacy services to clients.
4. Provides information and referrals to additional services and legal resources.

Collaboration and Training
1. Must be prepared to work alongside with other court personnel who are also integral parts of the judicial process i.e. judges, sheriffs, clerks, states attorneys, public defenders, private attorneys and other official officers of the court who participate in the daily process. Advocates must be flexible to adjust to all personalities to ensure a positive work environment.
2. Collaborates with court advocacy staff, designated volunteers/interns in the criminal courts to develop and maintain effective programs.
3. Assists in discussions of court advocacy relevant to case management and necessary agency paperwork.
4. Facilitates Legal Support Group, Legal Issues and Legal Topics sessions of the 40 hour Domestic Violence Training at CCSS.
5. Facilitates Domestic Violence Training to police officers.
6. Assists the Director Support Services in planning and implementation of training and educational programs for police, judges and states attorneys; networks with other agencies.

Organizational/Administrative responsibilities
1. Attends Court Advocacy staff meetings and any other meetings at the request of the Director.
2. Maintains CCSS policies and procedures.
3. Adheres to court etiquette and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
4. Have knowledge of Illinois Domestic Violence Act
5. Other duties as assigned

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