Senior Legal Advocate

JOB TITLE: SENIOR LEGAL ADVOCATE IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: VICE PRESIDENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT COMPENSATION: $46,467.20 POSTION SUMMARY: Participates in the activities of a multidisciplinary team engaged in the delivery of legal advocacy domestic violence program services. Utilizes an empowerment-based, trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach in providing services with survivors of domestic violence.

Participates in the formulation and implementation of individualized services, safety planning, and client goal plans. Applies an elevated level of skill by providing supervision and assistance to Legal Advocates. This position will be primarily located at the Winnebago County Family Court Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Help victims/survivors complete Order of Protection forms and navigate court processes for Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) Orders of Protection Apply advocacy-based, trauma-informed techniques in the identification and support of individual client/survivor needs Develop and maintain a working relationship with judges, court personnel, justice system partners, and stakeholders Develop and maintain a working relationship with local law enforcement agencies Provide weekly supervision with Legal Advocates and provide additional supervision and coaching with Legal Advocates as needed Maintain client confidentiality standards as required by Remedies Renewing Lives, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) and the United States Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Maintain appropriate client service records in a timely and thorough manner, following agency expectations and IL Domestic Violence Service Provider Guidelines Engage in appropriate safety planning and linkage of services with clients/survivors Develop, distribute, and maintain materials on local legal system procedures as assigned Provide training to Agency staff and volunteers regarding legal advocacy if requested Participate in weekly supervision with the VP of Domestic Violence Services Participate in staff meetings and other program, Agency, and community meetings as requested or assigned Aid in data collection for the purpose of Agency and grant reporting Adhere to funding requirements under applicable grant sources Record accurate and timely documentation of activities and services provided Assist with interviewing, hiring, and training Legal Advocates as requested Work with the VP of Domestic Violence Services to develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate services and procedures which address needs related to domestic violence legal advocacy, adhering to the voluntary services model Sustain a working relationship with other client-service teams within the Agency and community to encourage continuity of care for all individuals Give and receive support from other staff members within each of their respective areas of influence and expertise Provide frequent written and verbal communications with clients/survivors, referral sources and other employees, as appropriate.

Perform all job functions in a professional manner Perform all job functions consistent with confidentiality regulations, ethical practices and Agency polices 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: Extensive knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence and coercive control preferred Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients/survivors, staff, other service providers/professionals, and the public Leadership and organizational skills Ability to be mobile, moving to various offices as needed A commitment to the philosophy and program of Remedies Renewing Lives, which includes a commitment to survivors’ and children's issues, sharing a belief in helping to create a society free from violence, and in working in a cooperative environment Ability to accept, to understand, and to relate sensitively to people of varied socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and experiential backgrounds Basic computer skills Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills Ability to prepare and maintain effective client files and applicable court forms Ability to participate in and successfully complete a comprehensive training program Ability to provide sincere interest necessary to work with client population Ability to engage potential clientele and/or maintain current clients in services by providing support, encouragement, and trauma-informed services Must acquire and apply the skills necessary for empathetic and empowering counseling/advocacy/crisis intervention techniques and methods Possess high physical and emotional energy needed to handle the array of circumstances that may arise EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Counseling, Social Work or related field required EXPERIENCE: One year experience providing direct services for survivors of domestic violence and their families preferred One year experience providing professional counseling, advocacy, and/or case management preferred Previous supervisory or management experience 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 (CDVP) approved training site.

This training will be provided by Remedies Renewing Lives to new employees who have not yet completed the training. Acquire IL CDVP status within one year of obtaining supervisory position. Benefit Summary: All full-time employees are eligible for insurance on the first of the month after 30 days of employment.

Benefits

include medical, dental and 401K participation. We also offer an accrual of 4 weeks of paid time off per year. There is an annual discretionary bonus given as well after completing 1 year of service. Full-time employees are also eligible for short/long term disability and term life insurance.