Court Advocate

About the role

The Court Advocate provides trauma-informed court advocacy services to individuals impacted by domestic violence, supporting clients through the legal process while upholding the Mission and Values of the Crisis Center for South Suburbia.

Primary responsibilities

• Provide direct court advocacy services to agency clients and court-referred individuals.
• Serve as a liaison between domestic violence courts, law enforcement, and clients.
• Offer crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support in both in-person and phone interactions.
• Educate clients on the dynamics of domestic violence and their legal rights and options.
• Provide information and referrals to legal resources and supportive services.
• Ensure all interactions are trauma-informed, client-centered, and confidential.
• Collaborate with court personnel, including judges, clerks, sheriffs, state’s attorneys, public defenders, and private attorneys.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships within the court system to support client outcomes.
• Collaborate with court advocacy staff and support volunteers and interns within the program.
• Facilitate Legal Support Groups and contribute to the 40-hour Domestic Violence Training.
• Provide training and education to law enforcement and community partners.
• Support the development and implementation of training initiatives for court stakeholders and external partners.
• Network with partner agencies to strengthen community response efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, human services, or a related field required.
• 1–3 years of experience working with courts, domestic violence survivors, or in a social services setting preferred.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and victim advocacy principles.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including legal professionals and community partners.
• Bilingual strongly preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.