Benefits:

FSA Health, Dependent Care, Commute

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Training & development

Supervised by: Client Support Manager

Status: Fulltime

Essential Responsibilities

Client Services (80%):

Support Ascend Justice clients through safety planning, crisis intervention, information, and advocacy.

Conduct lethality assessments and work closely with clients in high-risk situations.

Connect clients to resources necessary to overcome barriers to safety.

Provide brief support services to 2-3 walk-in clients each day.

Translate/interpret for clients and attorneys as needed.

Manage a caseload of ongoing cases that require continuous support in accessing housing, financial assistance, safety planning, and additional resources.

Make timely and appropriate internal referrals, including a written record of known client support needs.

Occasionally accompany clients to court hearings to provide emotional support when requested.

Deliver all services according to principles of trauma-informed care.

Maintain client files, opening and closing cases according to agency procedures.

Record all client communications and maintain an updated record of client progress through case notes on Legal Server.

Support holistic delivery of client services through clear and timely communication with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities (20%):

Build and maintain relationships with partners and other agencies (10%).

Actively participate in required staff meetings, trainings, working groups, and Client Support Team meetings.

Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks, actively updating resource lists, and awareness of other support systems available in the courthouse.

Protect the organization and clients by maintaining confidentiality.

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Work Environment

Courthouse and offices are fully accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible.

As a walk-in clinic, we operate on a hybrid work schedule, with the ability to work remotely one day a week.

Evening work may occasionally be required.

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, smartphones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer.

Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required

Bilingual in Spanish/English required

Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training

Knowledge of or experience working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violence preferred

Experience working with orders of protection and/or court advocacy a plus.

Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations

Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training

Sensitive listener with ability to explain complex concepts

Ability to communicate effectively with people in crisis

Flexible, collaborative, strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks

Basic computer and office skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Word and Excel

Ability to work in fast-paced legal environment

Excellent communication and time management skills

Sense of humor

Ascend Justice is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Ascend Justice does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Ascend Justice is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team. Applicants/clients wishing to lodge a complaint about discrimination in the provision of services can do so by contacting the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The ICJIA nondiscrimination policy can be found on the ICJIA website at http://www.icjia.org/grants/grant-resources. Applicants can also send complaints via e-mail to CJA.CivilRightsOfficer@illinois.gov

Flexible work from home options available.