Lasalle County Criminal Court Advocate - Ottawa, United States - Safe Journeys

Description

We are seeking a qualified applicant to provide legal advocacy services for victims of domestic and sexual violence in LaSalle County.

PURPOSE:
Provides services, including legal and medical advocacy, in a variety of settings. Functions within a broad framework of existing laws and policies.


MISSION STATEMENT:

• The mission of Safe Journeys is to empower survivors of domestic and sexual violence and work to end such violence in our communities. _

FUNCTIONS:


I. Direct Services

• Provides legal and medical advocacy to clients in a traumaresponsive manner.
• Initiates contact with victims referred from other sources to provide relevant information, including that regarding Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA), Civil No Contact Orders, Crime Victims Compensation, sexual assault statutes, and crime victims' rights.
• Provides victims of domestic and sexual violence and others with information about the legal processes and options available to them through the civil and criminal legal systems.
• Assesses level and history of violence experienced and aids in the development of a safety plan for victims and their children.
• Assesses victims' immediate needs and assists or refers them to those who can help them locate appropriate legal representation, housing, financial assistance, counseling and other resources.
• Provides support and advocacy to victims involved in criminal or civil court proceedings.
• Prepares victims for court appearances and accompanies them to court hearings.
• Facilitates transportation to court related appointments.
• Provides domestic and sexual violence education to victims and their families, professionals and community groups, in individual and group settings.
• Provides system advocacy and training.
• Participates in agency oncall system.
• Participates in local efforts to improve the community's response to domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Facilitates support groups as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

II. Other Staff Responsibilities

• Knowledgeable on agency and relevant grant policies and procedures.
• Participates in staff meetings and, when provided, clinical consultation activities.
• Participates in professional trainings as required by agency and funders and follows developments in the fields of domestic and sexual violence and victim advocacy.
• Communicates with staff and the public in a manner that reflect respect and equality.
• Maintains and submits records on all clients served and work performed in a timely manner.
• Assures ethical conduct in business, marketing, service delivery, and professional practice.

EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in human services or criminal justice field, preferred.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to set limits and priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to serve individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as a cooperative team member.
• 40 hours of domestic violence and 40 hours of sexual assault training or complete agency training before interacting with clients or clientrelated information.
• Pass background checks on a regular basis.
• Reliable automobile, current license and insurance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Unless exempted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons hired for this position are required to perform the following essential functions:

• Lift up to 25 lbs. on an as-needed basis;
• Perform the basic life operational functions of talking, hearing, vision on a frequent basis;
• Perform repetitive motions (i.e. computer keying and/or dialing phone) on a frequent basis;
• Stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, and crouch on an frequent basis;
• Ability to drive a car or access to other transportation.
• This position requires exposure to the following environmental factors:_
• Normal office conditions;
• Exposure to variable noise levels;
• Environment may include possible exposure to communicable illnesses; and
• Traveling in an automobile in various weather conditions.

Pay:
$ $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week


Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

Education:

• High school or equivalent (preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Ottawa, IL: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location:
Multiple locations