Position Title

Bilingual (Arabic Speaking) Domestic Violence Court Advocate – VAWA STOP Program

Arab American Family Services (AAFS) is seeking a Bilingual (Arabic) Domestic Violence Court Advocate to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered advocacy services through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) STOP Program. This position expands access to justice for survivors of domestic violence by reducing linguistic, cultural, and systemic barriers, particularly for Arab, Middle Eastern and North African (MENA), immigrant, refugee, Muslim, and limited English proficient communities.

Services are available to all eligible survivors.

The Bilingual Court Advocate serves as the primary court-based contact for survivors seeking Orders of Protection and provides guidance throughout the civil legal process, including crisis intervention, safety planning, legal education, court accompaniment, and assistance with petitions. This role also provides comprehensive wraparound advocacy services, including case management, housing advocacy, referrals, and ongoing support to promote long-term safety and stability. The Advocate works collaboratively with courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, and community partners to strengthen coordinated responses to domestic violence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary court-based advocate for survivors seeking Orders of Protection
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and safety planning before, during, and after court
• Explain survivor rights and legal remedies under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA)
• Assist with preparation and completion of Emergency, Interim, and Plenary Orders of Protection
• Prepare survivors for hearings, including court procedures and expectations
• Accompany survivors to court hearings and State's Attorney meetings when appropriate
• Provide Crime Victim Compensation information and application assistance
• Coordinate with court personnel, attorneys, law enforcement, and interpreters
• Refer to legal services for concerns related to divorce, child custody, immigration, etc.
• Advocate for meaningful language access and culturally responsive services
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant laws, court procedures, and legal resources

Survivor Advocacy and Case Management:

• Conduct ongoing needs and safety assessments
• Develop individualized, survivor-centered service plans
• Provide crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and advocacy
• Develop and update safety plans addressing home, work, court, and technology safety
• Assist with access to shelter, emergency housing, and long-term housing stability
• Coordinate transportation assistance as available
• Provide referrals to legal, healthcare, counseling, and social services
• Collaborate with internal AAFS programs for coordinated service delivery
• Maintain consistent follow-up to support long-term stability
• Respect survivor autonomy and support informed decision-making

Institutional Advocacy:

• Collaborate with courts, law enforcement, healthcare, and community providers
• Promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices
• Identify and address systemic barriers impacting survivors
• Participate in multidisciplinary and coordinated community response efforts
• Advocate for language access and equitable service delivery

Community Outreach and Training:

• Represent AAFS at community meetings, outreach events, and court-based initiatives
• Conduct outreach to increase awareness of VAWA services and survivor rights
• Participating in Domestic Violence Awareness Month and community education efforts
• Support training for community partners and professionals related to VAWA services
• Build relationships with organizations serving underserved communities

Documentation, Compliance, and Quality Assurance:

• Complete timely, accurate documentation in accordance with funder and agency requirements
• Enter data into Info Net and agency systems while maintaining confidentiality
• Maintain statistics for reporting, evaluation, and grant compliance
• Protect confidentiality in accordance with VAWA and Illinois laws
• Maintain files consistent with privilege and confidentiality requirements
• Participate in audits, file reviews, and quality assurance processes
• Com…