DV Legal​/Medical Advocate Carbondale

Summary Responsible for providing information and assistance in obtaining Orders of Protection in Carbondale to both walk-in and residential clients at the Shelter Program, coordinating legal advocacy activities with other court advocates, and providing professional training and advocacy within health care settings in regard to victims of domestic violence. The hours are Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm. Essential Functions Provides individual advocacy on behalf of domestic violence survivors.

Interviews clients seeking Orders of Protection, determines eligibility for services, explains options under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Karinas Law, Crime Victim Compensation, and the process in obtaining an Order of Protection, assesses and refers for services to other Shelter staff or community resources. Assists clients in filing charges and obtaining Orders of Protection, including accompanying them to court. Trains Survivor Empowerment Center staff and volunteers on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Karinas Law, and Crime Victim Compensation as requested by the Domestic Violence/Shelter Program Manager.

Organizes, with the support of other court advocates, Court-Watch programming for counties served. Participates and disseminates information from legislative alerts as directed by ICADV. Collects statistical information in Criminal Justice systems for counties served. Provides institutional advocacy on behalf of domestic violence survivors. Facilitates professional trainings on legal and medical advocacy issues, Orders of Protection, for Law Enforcement, State's Attorneys, circuit clerks, victim advocates, and medical professionals.

Makes appropriate referrals to Land of Lincoln and private attorneys. Documents all contacts with clients in individual client files according to funding standards, maintains up-to-date case records in accordance with the procedures of Survivor Empowerment Center, and provides this documentation as requested.  Attends all community and/or interagency meetings as directed by the Domestic Violence Program Manager and/or the Executive Director.

Serves as a back-up to other court advocates in case of illness or vacation. Helps victims obtain medical services and documentation of injuries. Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Requirements Bachelor's degree preferably in a human service field or equivalent experience

Counseling or legal advocacy experience and training preferred

Strong public speaking skills required

Knowledge of sexual assault/domestic violence issues and previous training on those issues preferred

Strong people and organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and give attention to detail

Ability to communicate orally in conversation both in person and by telephone

Ability to work well with people from a variety of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, sexual orientation, and age groups, and with individuals who are differently-abled

Ability to deal with stress-related situations

Ability to interact with others and remain focused while dealing with multiple objectives and timelines

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Ability to work in a team setting and embrace the concept of teamwork

Must have a demonstrated commitment to women and non-violence through previous volunteer work or employment preferred

Willingness to complete the required 64-hours of training on working with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors within 6-months of employment

Must have current driver's license, car with current automobile insurance, and a willingness to travel (30%)