Child Sexual Assault Victim Specialist

Job Title: Child Sexual Assault Victim Specialist #465

Reports to:Victim Witness Administrative Supervisor

Grade/Step: 19 (full-time/union)

Salary: $87,641

Level: Entry (This may vary for internal candidates only)

Location: 2650 S. California/Leighton Courthouse

Bureau: Victim Services

Division/Unit: Victim Witness

Application deadline: July 10, 2026

Note: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without a permit. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office does not sponsor H1-B work visa petitions.

Working Environment: Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Primary Function:

In accordance with state and federal statutes governing victims’ rights, the Victim Specialist delivers comprehensive services, support, and advocacy to victims and survivors of violent crime.

Physical Requirements:

Light Work: The position requires the ability to stand or walk frequently, often for extended periods. You may need to lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 20 pounds regularly, and occasionally heavier items. The job may also involve a significant amount of walking or standing relative to sedentary roles.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide trauma-informed services, support, advocacy, and case management to victims and survivors of crime.
• Assess victim needs, determine eligibility for available services or programs, and make appropriate referrals.
• Conduct comprehensive intakes, complete safety assessments, and develop individualized safety and service plans.
• Deliver crisis intervention, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Collaborate with SAO colleagues to address safety concerns and support prosecution efforts.
• Build and maintain a network of community-based advocates, government agencies, and partner organizations to expand referral options for victims.
• Collaborate with partner agencies on a regular basis.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case information and coordinate with team members to ensure consistent support for victims.
• Provide ongoing follow-up to ensure continued support, safety, and case-related updates.
• Ensure victims and witnesses are informed of their rights, available resources, and the criminal justice process.
• Coordinate transportation and related logistics for victims and witnesses as needed.
• Attend meetings and trainings, as needed, including facilitation and attendance of specific board meetings or trainings.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Maintain program statistics, case documentation, and prepare quarterly activity reports.
• Deliver training to SAO colleagues and partner agencies on victim services and the role of the Victim Specialist, as well as topics around sexual assault, domestic violence, trauma, and collaboration with DCFS.
• Facilitate bi-weekly meetings to triage sex-related cases.
• Work a flexible schedule based on unit needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• The candidate must hold a master's degree in social work or a related field (counseling, criminal justice, etc.).
• Must hold a mental health license (i.e. LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, etc.).
• Clinical training and experience in trauma assessment and treatment.
• Candidate must have several years of experience working with victims/survivors of sexual assault and abuse and competency in protective orders.
• Candidate must be an empathetic listener with knowledge of victims’ rights as defined by state and national law.
• Must have excellent grammar, organizational and communication skills.
• The candidate must be able to work flexible hours and ability to travel to other courthouse locations, as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.
• Candidate must be able to work independently, multi-task, and have ability to demonstrate cultural competency.

Preferred:

• Experience collaborating with community-based service providers.
• Knowledge of CCSAO databases and/or ability to learn is important.
• Bilingual Proficiency (especially Spanish, Polish, Arabic).

Equal Employment Opportunity

EEO Message: The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is an equal opportunity employer, which seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The CCSAO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Upon request, the CCSAO will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals due to a disability or pregnancy. The EEOP report can be found on our website at www.cookcountystatesattorney.org.