Benefits:
FSA Health, Dependent Care, Commute Plan
401(k)
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Training & development
Supervised by: Managing Director, Family Law and Protective Orders Division
Status: Full-time
Essential Responsibilities
Assist with the operation of same day Order of Protection Clinic by providing direct legal services to clients seeking Emergency Protective Orders. This includes interviewing clients about their situations, drafting detailed affidavits and pleadings under attorney supervision, and completing related administrative tasks.
Orient new interns and demonstrate proper procedures and interview techniques.
Conduct intakes with potential representation clients
Assist with providing ongoing legal services, including amending affidavits and pleadings
Provide occasional coverage for office front desk
Assist with intake for other divisions on occasion/as needed.
If bilingual, translate/interpret for clients and attorneys as needed.
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 in Legal Server.
Protect the organization and our clients by keeping information confidential.
Other Responsibilities
Actively participate in required staff meetings and training.
Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks and participating in professional organizations.
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.
Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required.
Full-time in-office position, may include occasional work-from-home days
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, 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 preferred
Bi-lingual in Spanish/English preferred
Previous legal assistant or intake experience preferred
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training
Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds who are in crisis
Knowledge of or experience with working with survivors of gender-based violence
Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training
Sensitive listener with ability to explain complex concepts
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
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.