Bilingual Legal Advocacy Program Paralegal

A Safe Place is a recognized 501(c)3 listed under Lake County Crisis Center for the Prevention & Treatment of Domestic Violence Inc. Position is located in Waukegan, IL and may travel to other locations as needed. Reports to the Director of Courthouse Services and works closely with the Chief of Legal Services and Sector Partnerships.

About the role

The Paralegal is responsible for providing support, information, advocacy, and legal guidance for victims of abuse. The role provides assistance to applicants to determine A Safe Place eligibility utilizing CIS & Infonet systems, needs assessment via IM-CAT and/or IM-CANS, safety planning, and develops service plans for clients filing orders of protection (domestic violence and/or human trafficking) as well as supports clients with filing other protective orders. The Paralegal acts as a liaison between client and legal system, including connecting them to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and providing referrals to other services within A Safe Place and to outside legal aid and other connected services.

Responsibilities

• Conducts client eligibility assessments through A Safe Place’s intake process using CIS & Infonet, completing and documenting all funding required paperwork including but not limited to DHS, ICADV, and Medicaid.
• Completes intake and Medicaid paperwork and other tasks including data entry records in a timely manner and in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Works with clients to create their individualized service plans in a timely manner and in accordance with agency policies and procedures. These plans may include referrals to other departments within the agency, services in other organizations, with an understanding of the impact that incarceration may have on the client’s service needs.
• Provides trauma-informed services in assessing needs via IM-CATS, developing necessary service and safety plans, and referrals to other ASP programs and outside complementary services.
• Assists clients in preparing and filing legal protective orders as well as other court documents. Accompanies clients to court hearings, provides emotional support and procedural information, and develops individual safety plans.
• Explains court procedures, legal options, and terminology in an accessible manner, helping clients understand their rights and the legal process.
• Provides support and guidance on behalf of clients within the court system who are impacted by incarceration (past, present, or potential), and those who are interacting with the Lake County State Attorney's office, legal aid organizations, Lake County Detention Court, and Lake County law enforcement including the Sheriff and jail personnel.
• Completes data entry of electronic records (CIS) into Infonet. Contributes to grant-specific reporting requirements and Board Dashboard data gathering and submission.
• Educates clients on services available through A Safe Place as well as outside organizations and facilitates their access to these services through referral processes.
• Educates interns and other staff, volunteers on procedures and client assistance.
• Educates law enforcement and court personnel on domestic violence issues including abuse that results in victims at risk for incarceration, have been incarcerated, or where there is a potential for incarceration, A Safe Place’s legal services, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, and Lake County protocols.
• Speaks to the community about the needs of domestic violence survivors, especially those for which incarceration is an issue, in the legal system.
• Collaborates with the Legal Advocacy Program team to develop bilingual (English-Spanish), low-literacy written education materials about the program and the issue of incarceration and its overlap with domestic violence and human trafficking.
• Attends and participates in all onboarding training, staff meetings, grant-specific orientations/trainings/gatherings, and other training and meetings as requested and as identified in the employee’s Training Plan.
• Works as a team player in the organization.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A completed Legal Studies/Paralegal Career training and certification.
• Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, criminal justice, or closely related field. High School diploma (GED) and three to five years of experience working with victims of domestic violence or within the criminal justice system may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Experience in the field of domestic violence and/or human trafficking and trauma-informed knowledge of survivors’ and their children's needs.
• Bilingual required.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to participate in community activities, represent A Safe Place in the court system, and develop supportive relationships with victims of partner abuse, volunteers, staff members, and court and legal personnel.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Excellent organizational skills for completing Orders of Protection, tracking statistical information, and achieving the goals and objectives of the agency.
• Ability to accept, understand, and relate sensitively to people of varied socio-economic, racial, cultural, and experiential backgrounds.
• A commitment to the philosophy and program of A Safe Place, which includes a commitment to survivors’ & children’s issues, sharing a belief in helping to create a society free from violence, and working in a cooperative environment.

Work Environment

This position operates across professional office settings, Lake County courthouses, law enforcement agencies, and community partner sites. Employees regularly encounter trauma disclosures and high-stress crises. Flexible scheduling is required to accommodate court accompaniment and client needs. Up to two holiday shifts per year are required.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Pre-Employment Requirements

Pre-employment requirements include DCFS and criminal background checks, fingerprinting, professional reference and license verification, and clearance through the sex offender registry and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).