Legal Advocate

Location: Waukegan, IL

Pay: $25 - $27 per hour

Schedule: Monday–Friday  

Hours: 9 am - 5 pm  

About Us

For more than 46 years, A Safe Place has been a trusted leader in Lake County, empowering survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking to rebuild their lives. As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are committed to safety, dignity, and hope for individuals and families impacted by violence.

Whether working directly with survivors or supporting the systems that sustain our services, every role contributes to a trauma-informed organization dedicated to creating pathways to safety, independence, and long-term healing.

About the Role

The Bilingual Legal Advocate provides advocacy and direct services to survivors of domestic violence under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. This role supports survivors navigating the legal system, particularly those seeking Orders of Protection, and serves as a liaison with courts, law enforcement, and community partners. 

The position reports to the Director of Legal Advocacy and is based on-site in Waukegan, Illinois.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advocacy & Court Support

• Advocate on behalf of survivors within the court system, including the State’s Attorney’s Office and Lake County law enforcement agencies
   
• Assist survivors with the completion and filing of Orders of Protection
   
• Maintain communication with the State’s Attorney’s Office regarding A Safe Place courtroom services
   
• Participate in court-related processes and protocols as required
   

Client Support & Safety Planning

• Provide survivor-centered advocacy, including safety planning and education on domestic violence dynamics
   
• Educate clients on services available through A Safe Place and facilitate access to internal programs
   
• Provide referrals to community-based and partner organizations as appropriate
   

Training & Community Engagement

• Train staff, volunteers, law enforcement, and court personnel on domestic violence issues, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, and local protocols
   
• Represent A Safe Place in community presentations and outreach efforts
   
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and agency-wide initiatives
   

Administrative & Team Support

• Maintain confidential client files and complete data entry in accordance with agency policies
   
• Assist with developing and maintaining printed resources and legal advocacy packets
   
• Work collaboratively as a team member and support organizational goals
   
• Perform additional duties as assigned
   

Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, criminal justice, or a closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
   
  • A high school diploma (or GED) with 3–5 years of relevant experience working with survivors of domestic violence or within the criminal justice system may be considered
     
• Demonstrated experience in domestic violence advocacy and sensitivity to survivors' and children’s issues
   
• Bilingual required
   
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
   
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage confidential information
   
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
   
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse socio-economic, cultural, racial, and experiential backgrounds
   
• Commitment to the mission, philosophy, and values of A Safe Place, including a belief in creating a society free from violence
   

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; a Flexible Spending Account (FSA); a 401(k) retirement plan; generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays; and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Why Join A Safe Place

• Mission-driven work with direct community impact
   
• Trauma-informed, collaborative work environment
   
• Opportunity to advocate for survivors and systemic change
   
• Meaningful professional development and training opportunities
  

Additional Information

This posting outlines the primary responsibilities of the role. A full job description will be provided upon hire.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Pre-employment requirements include DCFS and criminal background checks, fingerprinting, professional reference and license verification, and clearance through the sex offender registry and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Equal Opportunity & Inclusive Hiring Statement

A Safe Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities and are dedicated to providing a respectful environment free from discrimination or harassment.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position.