<p> YWCA Evanston/North Shore Position Opening Legal Assistance Services Specialist</p><p>With a unique focus on women and girls in our community, for over 60 years the YWCA Evanston/North Shore has made a difference in the lives of women, children, and families by:</p><p> working to end domestic violence against women and children  nurturing women's economic empowerment and leadership  fostering racial, gender and economic equity  empowering youth through swimming</p><p>We empower thousands of individuals to transform their lives and make our communities more just and equitable for all its members. Additional information is available on our website, www.ywca.org/evanston. </p><p>The YWCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.</p><p>Position Title: Legal Assistance Services Specialist</p><p>Position Description: In partnership with LAF CLASP (Comprehensive Legal Assistance for Survivors Project), YWCA Evanston/North Shore Legal Assistance Services Specialist will holistically support and advocate on behalf of victims of domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA), directly connect victims to LAF for comprehensive legal services, and represent legal advocacy services at area courthouse.</p><p>Responsibilities:</p><p>Coordination of comprehensive legal services with LAF and other non-legal services for victims of DV and SA (35%):</p><p>1. Screens and assesses needs of referrals to CLASP project 2. Facilitates communication with LAF and other service providers on behalf of CLASP clients 3. Accompanies CLASP clients to meetings and court proceedings 4. Assists in preparation and exchange of necessary documentation 5. Identifies and ensures access to non-legal services to address CLASP clients non-legal needs 6. Ensures CLASP clients’ compliance with project requirements</p><p>CLASP Program Development (25%): 1. Assists in developing comprehensive screening tools for CLASP clients 2. Ensures that non-partner agencies are informed about project 3. Assists in designing marketing and educational materials for project 4. Provides training to LAF staff on non-legal advocacy tools and strategies used to provide safety planning, counseling and other services provided by DV/SA agencies</p><p>Legal Advocacy Services (25%): 1. Provides legal advocacy and support to survivors of domestic violence at the Municipal District #2 Courthouse and at the YWCA Evanston/North Shore 2. Assists survivors of domestic violence with obtaining orders of protection and accompanies them to the court. Speaks with abusers in court when necessary to advocate on behalf of the client. 3. Refers clients to legal service providers as needed. 4. Provides follow-up services to victims of domestic violence on a monthly basis.</p><p>Completes paperwork and maintains data (10%): 1. Completes all project intake and client progress documentation 2. Maintains/shares case files per project guidelines 3. Provides data to LAF as required for grant reporting</p><p>Other Responsibilities (5%): 1. Attends cross-trainings for team members 2. Attends OVW trainings 3. Works as integral part of YWCA D.V.S. team and CLASP team 4. Attends monthly team meetings 5. Understands and adheres to all of the YWCA Evanston/North Shore procedures and policies as well as the YWCA Employee Handbook. 6. Other duties as assigned.</p><p>Requirements: Bachelors Degree in related field. Masters preferred. Experience working with domestic violence victims; case management and legal experience required. Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of domestic violence issues. Knowledge of Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) required. 40 hour domestic violence training required. Computer literacy in Microsoft Word required. Spanish speaking bilingual/bicultural preferred. </p><p>Position Type: part-time, 32 hours per week</p><p>Position Level: experienced</p><p>Send Applicants: Submit resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Be sure to list the position title in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please. </p>