COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST (OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER)

Job ID: Posting Aug 18, 2026. Organization: Offices Under the President.

About the role

Engages high-risk individuals in need of criminal defense services and connects them to support provided by a multidisciplinary defense team. Serves as a trusted community liaison with established relationships within the communities served. Builds and maintains trusted community relationships to facilitate outreach, engagement, and access to legal and supportive services. Supports client engagement and program participation by connecting individuals to legal and supportive resources.

Responsibilities

• Engage high-risk individuals in need of criminal defense services.
• Connect individuals to support provided by a multidisciplinary defense team.
• Serve as a trusted community liaison with established relationships within the communities served.
• Build and maintain trusted community relationships to facilitate outreach, engagement, and access to legal and supportive services.
• Support client engagement and program participation by connecting individuals to legal and supportive resources.
• Travel to various work locations throughout Cook County.

Requirements

• Possession of a High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate and six (6) years of experience in community outreach, violence prevention, street outreach, youth engagement, case support services, community organizing, mediation, or directly related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience is acceptable.
• Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver’s license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) within five (5) days of being extended an offer.
• Degrees awarded outside of the United States (except those awarded in U.S. territories and Canada) must be credentialed by the World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or a National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) member organization.

Skills

• Knowledge of crisis intervention and mediation techniques.
• Ability to understand and follow safety/security practices.
• Ability to work in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to provide moderate-level insight, advice, and expertise to other professionals, management, and external contacts.
• Ability to operate as a team player and communicate specialized knowledge to team members, managers, and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of moderately complex principles and practices for a specialized area of focus.

Physical Requirements

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Includes:

• Walking or standing to a significant degree.
• Sitting most of the time while pushing or pulling arm or leg controls.
• Working at a production rate pace while constantly pushing or pulling materials, even if the weight is negligible.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Basic Term Life Insurance.
• Pension Plan.
• Deferred Compensation Program.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time.
• Voluntary Benefits.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Pay

Salary Range: $66,521 - $73,430/yearly.

Schedule

The County offers a hybrid work environment allowing employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.

Veteran’s Preference

Preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To qualify, Veterans must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application.
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application filing (Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of military separation).
• Provide original applicable discharge papers at the time of interview.

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist with obtaining a certified DD214 and having it recorded at no charge. Contact: veterans.affairs@cookcountyil.gov.