Benefits:

FSA Health, Dependent Care, Commute Plan

401(k)

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Training & development

Supervised by: Managing Director, Family Law and Protective Order Division

Status: Full-time

Essential Responsibilities

Assist attorneys with the operation of the same-day Order of Protection clinic by providing direct services to clients, demonstrating proper procedures for interns and volunteers, and completing administrative tasks. (40%)

Assist attorneys with Order of Protection representation cases, including client communication, opening and closing files, case docketing and program organization, and assisting with other case-related tasks. (60%)

Translation/interpretation for clients and attorneys as needed.

Provide occasional coverage for the office front desk and intake specialists.

Deliver all services according to principles of trauma-informed care.

Maintain client files (physical, electronic, and Legal Server), opening and closing cases according to agency procedures.

Record all client communications, documents, evidence, and other materials in Legal Server and SharePoint.

Protect the organization by keeping information confidential.

Other Responsibilities

Actively participate in required staff meetings and trainings.

Coordinate with the team’s Client Support Coordinator and other colleagues to ensure that the client receives seamless, holistic services

Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks and participating in professional organizations.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Work Environment

This position requires at least 80% of work to be done on-site, subject to change.

Courthouse and offices are fully accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible.

Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required.

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer.

Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred

Bilingual in Spanish/English required

Previous paralegal or legal assistant experience preferred

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training

Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds who are in crisis

Knowledge of or experience with working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violence

Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training

Sensitive listener with the ability to explain complex concepts

Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks

Basic computer and office skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel

Ability to work in a fast-paced legal environment

Sense of humor

As part of the hiring process, pre-employment verification of references may be conducted internally by the agency. We do not utilize third-party vendors for these verifications.

Ascend Justice is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Ascend Justice does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Ascend Justice is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team. Applicants/clients wishing to lodge a complaint about discrimination in the provision of services can do so by contacting the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The ICJIA nondiscrimination policy can be found on the ICJIA website at http://www.icjia.org/grants/grant-resources. Applicants can also send complaints via e-mail to CJA.CivilRightsOfficer@illinois.gov

Flexible work from home options available.