Court Advocate

BASIC TASK FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts direct service intake of all victims, gathering information regarding domestic violence situation, client needs, and creating a case file on each client. 
• Reports to supervisor with statistical information for Court Advocacy grants on dail, weekly and monthly basis.
• Attends related policy meetings and participates in all team meetings. 
• Develops and maintains relationships with courthouse staff including but not limited to state’s attorneys, investigator, victim witness, legal aid attorneys, private attorneys. 
• Be responsible for the support group Services and listens to the victim, assess his/her needs, and provide victim with options and resources. 
• Develop a safety and legality plans, assesses needs, and refers appropriately. 
• Deliver crisis intervention calls and in person, court and legal options, referrals, and emotional support.
• Help in preparing orders of protection, providing domestic violence education, and Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) education.
• Continue relationship (in person, phone calls, and electronic correspondence) with client to assess needs and provide support.
• Guide each victim to all court proceedings during the pendency of the case. Intervenes on victim’s behalf when necessary. 
• Keep track of court proceedings when victim is exempt from court.
• Establish professional relationships with clients and create an atmosphere of empathy and support.
• Upgrade and increase knowledge of community resources and conduct outreach and education activity in the community. 
• Prepares all case files and maintain confidentiality, record all activities in detailed case notes and required paperwork for documentation for funders.
• Present information on Court Advocacy project as appropriate.