Court Advocate

About us!

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit community organization that provides emergency shelter and other essential services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence and addresses the societal issues that contribute to domestic violence.

Today, the Crisis Center for South Suburbia operates a 54-bed emergency shelter and has an annual impact on the lives of more than 10,000 people.

With a staff of more than 85 employees and a budget of over seven million dollars, the Crisis Center continues to grow while offering free services to Chicago’s south suburban communities.

Job Title : Court Advocate

Program : Advocacy Services

Reports to : Director Support Services

Schedule : Monday Friday 8 : 30am-4 : 30pm

Classification : Full Time-Exempt

Job Classification : Advocate

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, state’s 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 state’s 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