Description

Onsite – Waukegan, IL

A Safe Place is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Director of Courthouse Programs to join our team to drive and support A Safe Place’s dedicated mission-driven work. In this newly expanded role, you will oversee and implement a wide variety of survivor-centered programs onsite at the Courthouse including case management, education and legal services. This leadership role also focuses on building a high-performing team to effectively utilize a client-centered approach that supports survivors’ needs. If you have a passion for serving others and thrive in a collaborative, growing environment, then we want to hear from you!

ABOUT US

A Safe Place is the only nonprofit organization in Lake County that is exclusively dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. By supporting and empowering survivors to rebuild their lives, A Safe Place offers a variety of comprehensive resources and community education tools including Emergency Shelter, Counseling, Intervention and Prevention programs, Courthouse Advocacy, and Housing. A Safe Place is driven by its goal of fostering a community-wide response to domestic violence and human trafficking by raising awareness and creating a safer, healthier environment for all. To learn more about our organization and the important work that we do, please visit us at https://asafeplaceforhelp.org/. 

WHAT WE OFFER

• Full-time exempt position with an annual salary of $68,000-$78,000 based on qualifications and experience 
• Medical insurance including BCBS PPO, HSA and FSA options
• Dental and Vision insurance
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) plan
• Generous time off including 3 weeks of vacation and 12 sick days
• 2 floating holidays and 1 birthday PTO day
• 8 paid Holidays

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief of Legal Services and Sector Partnerships, the Director of Courthouse Programs is responsible for implementing and coordinating Courthouse outreach, case management, and legal services for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creating a safe and supportive courthouse space for survivors as defined by A Safe Place mission, policies, and procedures including:

o   Identifying the program as a part of ASP and collaborative partner with the 19th Judicial Circuit.

o   Empowering and supporting staff to identify and provide resources to only victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.

• Providing and leading survivor centered services in the Courthouse including:
• Ensuring that ASP eligibility requirements are met prior to providing any services.
• Eligibility, service plan completion, and safety planning for clients experiencing domestic violence and human trafficking. Ensuring records are completed in timely manner as defined by A Safe Place policies and procedures. 
• Completion of all reporting requirements in Infonet and tracking documents as required by grants. 
• Compile and provide resources to explain court procedures, legal options, and terminology in an accessible manner, helping clients understand their rights within the legal system.
• Client Referrals: Educates clients on services available through A Safe Place as well as outside organizations and facilitates their access to these services through referral processes.
• Oversee department staffing duties including the development of a monthly schedule to carry out critical services, recruitment and training of volunteers, interns, and legal case managers in conjunction with the Chief of Legal Services and Sector Partnerships. 
• Advocate on behalf of clients in court systems, State's Attorney office, Public Defender, and the Lake County Police Departments including the Sheriff and jail personnel. 
• In collaboration with Chief of Legal Services and Sector Partnerships develop, maintain, and nurture a network of collaborative relationships including police, judges, private attorneys, State's attorneys, public defenders, and court services personnel.
• Supports other Department Personnel by educating interns and other staff, as well as volunteers on procedures and client needs.
• In conjunction with Chief of Legal Services and Sector Partnerships, educate Legal community on needs of survivors including educating law enforcement and court personnel on domestic violence issues, survivor needs and services, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and Lake County protocols.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

•       Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, criminal justice or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience. High School diploma (GED) and 7+ years relevant experience in the field of domestic violence or legal services may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills to motivate and retain volunteers and staff, and to successfully manage multiple tasks and assignments.
• Sensitivity to survivors and children's issues as they relate to domestic violence.
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills needed for network building, public speaking, documentation of statistics and client records, and completing required reports and Orders of Protection.
• Knowledge of, and ability to effectively use counseling skills to support and empower clients.
• Ability to accept, understand, and relate sensitively to individuals of varied backgrounds.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred. 

HOW TO APPLY

A Safe Place serves as an integral part of the community and plays an important role in the lives of the individuals we serve. If you are interested in joining a forward-moving organization and are passionate about the work we do, please submit your resume by clicking the apply button.

A Safe Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

AI may have been used during the recruiting process. See (link) to learn how.

Key Words: Courthouse Programs, Courthouse Director, Director, DIR, NPO, Non-profit Organization, Case Management, Programs, Courthouse Outreach, Legal Services, Courthouse Advocacy, Counseling, Social Work