LEGAL ADVOCATE

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LEGAL ADVOCATE

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Reports to: Family Peace Center Project Manager Class Code: 3381

Grade: 602 FLSA: Non-Exempt

Hourly Wage: $20.70

NATURE OF WORK

This position serves as a Legal Advocate at the Family Peace Center (FPC) for the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program. The Family Peace Center Legal Advocate (Legal Advocate) will provide support and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

GRANT FUNDING ADVISEMENT

This position is 100% funded by a grant from the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Acceptance of this position shall not be construed as a guarantee of employment beyond the grant-funded period.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Legal Advocate will dedicate 100% of their time providing legal advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking through direct service and systems advocacy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These essential duties are only illustrative.)

Complete grant goals and objectives according to proposed timelines, including: providing legal advocacy to FPC clients while adhering to trauma-informed and survivor driven principles and policies of the FPC; treating all clients, staff and FPC partner agency personnel with kindness, dignity and respect; engaging in activities and practices addressing self-care and vicarious trauma; ensure the confidentiality and information sharing process is followed; participate in training and required collaborative meetings; develop and maintain working relationships with members of the Judicial and Criminal Justice Systems. The FPC LA will gather and maintain data required for grant reporting purposes and ensure the timely submission of such data to the ICJR Project Manager. The FPC LA will work with survivors as they navigate the Order of Protection process by providing information, advocacy, referrals, and safety planning throughout, and will accompany the survivor to any related appointments or court hearings. The FPC LA will provide advocacy and referrals to promote and ensure access to justice and services for all survivors.

Complete all other tasks and duties as assigned and required by the Family Peace Center Project Manager with guidance from the Executive Director and Deputy Director of the Mayor's Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the overall supervision of the Family Peace Center Project Manager, who reviews work for effectiveness, timeliness, and overall results achieved.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position does not require supervisory duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily in a variety of settings, including the Family Peace Center, a multi-agency social service office setting, and criminal justice serving facilities, mainly the Winnebago County Courthouse and the Criminal Justice Center. Work activities occur in a fast-paced, high-demand environment at times.

SUCCESS FACTORS (KSAs)

Thorough knowledge of domestic violence and human trafficking intervention efforts, including best practice intervention efforts and strategies.

Working knowledge of the legal system, local community services, and resources.

Comfortable working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing, communicate professionally, and prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, other government agencies, law enforcement, the general public, and community organizations.

Skill in the use and care of a personal computer. Ability to ask for help and support.

Ability to treat clients, staff, and partner agencies with kindness, dignity and respect in challenging circumstances and conditions.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in human services, social services or the equivalent, and at least one year of experience providing case management or advocacy to persons experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking, 40-hour ICADV Domestic Violence Training and other training in confidentiality and mandated reporting and know about the Family Justice Center movement and the purpose of this model and service delivery. Knowledge of best practice interventions for persons in trauma from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Experience with computer programs, data collection, and grant reporting is desired. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid Illinois driver's license.

40-Hour Illinois Domestic Violence training (may be completed within 30 days of hire).

Residency Requirement:

All employees (except Police and Fire) shall reside anywhere in Winnebago County or anywhere within fifteen (15) miles of the Rockford City Hall within six (6) months of completion of their introductory period, department heads and City Administrator shall live within the municipal boundaries of the City of Rockford within six (6) months of their completion of their introductory period.

Position : 000338101

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : MAYORS OFFICE STAFF

Group : NON-EXEMPT

Job Class : OVW FPC LEGAL ADVOCATE

Posting End : 09/29/2026

Details : BENEFITS

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