Remedies Renewing Lives hiring LEGAL ADVOCATE in Rockford, IL | LinkedIn (2024)

JOB TITLE: LEGAL ADVOCATE

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: VICE- PRESIDENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES

CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT

POSTION SUMMARY:To provide legal advocacy to victims of domestic violence and educate the legal system and community service providers.

This position will be primarily located at the Winnebago County Courthouse.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help victims/survivors complete Order of Protection forms and navigate court process for Orders of Protection.
• Accompany victims/survivors to police, state’s attorney and courts to provide support and information regarding Orders of Protection and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA).
• Facilitate educational groups to clients regarding Orders of Protection and IDVA if requested by immediate supervisor.
• Complete intake with survivors.
• Encourage survivors’ continued participation in domestic violence programming through referrals and coordination of victim advocacy with Probation Victim Advocate co-located at the Winnebago County Courthouse/DVAC or other Agency domestic violence program staff.
• Make appropriate referrals to community agencies.
• Develop and maintain a working relationship with Judicial System service providers.
• Develop and maintain a working relationship with Winnebago and Boone County law enforcement agencies.
• Develop, distribute and maintain materials on local legal system procedures.
• Provide training to Agency staff and volunteers regarding legal advocacy if requested.
• Participate in staff meetings and other program, Agency and community meetings as requested.
• Participate in continuing educational programs.
• Under the direction of immediate supervisor, plan and implement an individual professional development plan.
• Maintain a working relationship with staff, clients and community agencies.
• Maintain appropriate client records.
• Maintain victim/survivor and/or client confidentiality standards as required by Remedies Renewing Lives, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and the United States Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
• Perform all job functions consistent with confidentiality regulations, ethical practices and Agency policies and mission.
• Present and maintain a professional image in dress, behavior, and work habits.
• Promote a positive and pleasant attitude conducive to the workplace that enhances and furthers the Mission, Vision and Values Statement.
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred
• Has a good, working knowledge of the legal system, resources and communities served by the Agency.
• Basic computer skills.
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.
• Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, staff, other service providers, and the public

EDUCATION:Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Counseling, Social Work, or related field required

EXPERIENCE:Demonstrated Skills In Case Management And/or Advocacy PreferredOne year full time experience providing professional counseling preferred

CERTIFICATE/LICENSE:Completion of the 40-hour domestic violence training as required by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) from an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) approved training site. Will be provided at start of employment if needed.