Court Specialist – Domestic Violence

• Location
  Chicago or Springfield, Illinois
• Office
  Courts, Children and Families Division
• Posted Date
  10/02/26
• Closing Date
  Applications received by Friday, October 23, 2026, will receive first consideration.
• Division
  Courts, Children and Families Division
• Benefits
  An attractive judicial branch benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, deferred compensation options, as well as vacation, sick and personal leave. Please refer to the following Benefits Information Sheet for additional details.
• Salary
  Starting salary $72,555; salary at time of hire commensurate with experience
• Reporting Relationship: Director, Courts, Children and Families Division

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Reporting to the Director, Courts, Children and Families & Court Improvement Program, the Court Specialist – Domestic Violence supports statewide coordination to establish resources, assists with best practices, and helps deliver training related to domestic violence in the court system. The Court Specialist – Domestic Violence works under guidance from senior staff to ensure consistent implementation and reliable support across programs.

FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

• Assist in researching and compiling best practices for the courts related to domestic violence and human trafficking.
• Collect and maintain qualitative and quantitative data related to domestic violence, human trafficking and the courts.
• Provide staff support to committees addressing domestic violence and human trafficking.
• Help develop, update, and present domestic violence and human trafficking related trainings for the judiciary and other justice partners.
• Serve as an informed resource and identify approaches for courts to assist in addressing systemic disparities for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
• Attends and participates in conferences, meetings and committees as a Courts, Children and Families Division representative, which may include event coordination and support.
• Assists with judicial branch grant applications to support statewide and/or individual courts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in social sciences, social work, public administration, criminal justice or related field and a minimum of two years of substantive, professional experience in domestic violence issues or related field is required. Preference will be given to candidates with awareness of and sensitivity to impacts based on race, ethnicity, sexual identity, age, economics, and other social factors including direct experience with domestic violence survivors so impacted.

KNOWLEDGE AND

SKILLS:

• Extensive knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence and/or human trafficking and the role of the courts.
• Ability to plan, develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate statewide programs and corresponding best practices.
• Ability to research, develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate programs and initiatives.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and maintain qualitative and quantitative data.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects, meetings, training events, and other activities under established deadlines.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, identify program or training needs, and support effective stakeholder collaboration.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and other professional materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, databases, and other technology used to support program operations.
• Ability to work independently with judges, court personnel, justice system partners, vendors, grantees, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time and work in a standard office environment, including regular use of a telephone and the ability to process written documents. The position also requires the ability to travel, including overnight stays, as needed. Hybrid work option is currently available.

Applications received by Friday, October 23, 2026, will receive first consideration.