Domestic Violence Court Advocate

Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan is Illinois’ first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 117,000 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.

We are now hiring for a full-time Domestic Violence Court Advocate to join our Family Shelter Service of Du Page Team!

• The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $44,000 and $48,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

• Provides direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, legal advocacy, information, and/or referrals.
• Assists clients in preparing petitions for Orders of Protection; accompanies them throughout the court process; prepares Orders for the judge; provides education about domestic violence and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA).
• Develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of MFS programs and community-based resources, particularly within the criminal justice system. May facilitate linkages with services both within MFS and in the community.
• May assist in training program staff, volunteers, and/or interns. May conduct public education presentations, police trainings, or other educational offerings related to court advocacy services.
• Administers any required outcome tools at their designated intervals.
• Attends any mandatory group supervision and program/agency meetings.
• Participates in a team-oriented approach by collaborating with departmental staff and other programs to provide comprehensive services for clients.
• Completes paperwork in a timely manner, including intakes, case notes and other documentation needed for a client’s file.
• Works within contract, grant, and program expectations, including meeting timelines and reporting requirements. Provides timely, accurate statistical information for program grants.
• Remains cognizant of current developments in the field of domestic violence. Attends appropriate workshops, conferences, etc. to enhance professional development and understanding of issues in the field.
• Works closely with and advocates on behalf of clients with other agencies and the legal system (e.g. State’s Attorneys; Legal Aid; DCFS; police and Sheriff’s departments; private attorneys; investigators; etc.). Represents Metropolitan Family Services and the domestic violence program with a high degree of professionalism, an awareness of courtroom etiquette, and an understanding of the expectations of the criminal justice system.
• Provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.
• May perform other specialized duties as assigned, which may be specific to the needs of the particular site or program where this position is based (e.g. court follow-up contacts; educational group sessions; police department liaison; staffing Legal Advocacy Helpline; responding to police-reported incidents of domestic violence in accordance with the DuPage County Domestic Violence Protocol).
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associate’s degree plus 2 years’ work experience, preferably in the field of gender-based violence and/or a criminal justice-related capacity required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field, with experience in the legal system or the field of gender-based violence preferred
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• Experience in legal systems and concepts, Orders of Protection, social services, and/or the field of gender-based violence strongly preferred and highly beneficial. Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification preferred.
• 40-hour Domestic Violence training preferred at time of hire. This…