First Appearance & Detention Court Specialist

Safer Foundation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Safer Foundation in Chicago, IL is seeking a First Appearance & Detention Court Specialist to support Public Defender casework by gathering client information and organizing digital materials. You will conduct client interviews for initial hearings and help process discovery within internal systems.

The role requires strong computer skills, proficiency with Adobe Acrobat, and the ability to travel within Cook County.

Qualifications

• Strong computer literacy and ability to manage high volumes of digital files.
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat or similar software.
• Skilled in active listening and conveying information to others effectively.
• Skilled in Social Perceptiveness (awareness of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do)
• Skilled in Critical Thinking, judgment and decision-making
• Oral and written communication skills are essential
• Experience with case management practices, including data entry into electronic case management systems and reporting
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle with current, active insurance
• Geographical knowledge and ability to travel within Cook County
• Bilingual English/Spanish highly desired

Responsibilities

• Gather documents for Public Defender and manage digital case materials.
• Conduct client interviews to gather mitigation and case information for Initial Appearance hearings.
• Upload and organize large volumes of discovery in internal systems.
• Verify information accuracy and follow up on cases.
• Provide reports to Public Defenders.
• Assist with document and discovery management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Computer literacy

Adobe Acrobat

Active listening

Social perceptiveness

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Case management

Driver's license

Travel availability

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Zoom/Teams

Job description

First Appearance & Detention Court Specialist

Job Category: Community Reentry Service

Requisition Number: FIRST001115

• Posted : September 10, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site
• Salary : $48,200 USD per year

Locations

Showing 1 location

Chicago, IL 60608, USA

Description

The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment

General Summary:

The First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist is responsible for gathering information from individuals/clients for the Public Defender, and supporting case preparation through the organization, management, and maintenance of digital case materials. This role includes conducting client interviews to assist with Initial Appearance Court hearings, and assisting with the processing, uploading, and organization of large volumes of discovery and case related documents within internal Public Defender systems.

Performance Results Description:

The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.

Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity and Evidence Based Innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Interface and Service

• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist work closely with the Public Defender’s Office in gathering documents associated with individuals that have been arrested and are waiting for their initial appearance court hearing.
• Individuals who have been arrested and are waiting for the initial court hearing are detained in a holding area in Cook County Criminal Courthouse.
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist conduct client interviews to gather mitigation and case related information to support legal representation during Initial Appearance Court
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist may be required to interview Clients’ family, friends, and witnesses in their home and places of work throughout the Cook County to gather information needed for legal representation in court.
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist verify all information gathered from clients to determine accuracy and validity, i.e., conducting site visits to homes, employers, etc. as needed.
• Provide intensive follow-up on each case to ensure that all steps in the process have been completed according to defined process, procedures, and standards.
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist shall be required to upload, organize, and maintain digital case materials, including large volumes of discovery, within internal case management systems.
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist Review and process discovery materials to ensure files are properly labeled, categorized, and accessible
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist breakdown large or combined documents (i.e. multi-agency PDFs) into separate, organized documents using Adobe or similar software
• First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist complete service referral linkages to service providers.
• Specialist shall track all contacts with Clients and submit reports to the Public Defenders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment

• Use established best practice tools and techniques, such as motivational interviewing, to obtain information.
• Support attorneys with case preparation.
• Assist attorneys with document and discovery management.

Tracking, Document, and Reporting

• Thoroughly and accurately document client responses and provide comprehensive reports in a timely manner.
• Track all contacts and submit regular reports on progress.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong computer literacy and ability to manage high volumes of digital files
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat or similar software, including splitting, organizing, and editing large PDF documents
• Skilled in active listening and conveying information to others effectively
• Skilled in Social Perceptiveness (awareness of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do)
• Skilled in Critical Thinking, judgment and decision-making
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Oral and written communication skills, i.e., descriptive writing skills are essential
• Experience with case management practices, including data entry into electronic case management systems, service tracking, service referrals, and preparing reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle with current, active insurance
• Geographical knowledge and ability to travel within Cook County.
• Hands-on experience and self-sufficiency with Microsoft productivity tools, including Outlook (for email), Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and online collaboration tools (video conferencing, Zoom/Teams, messaging).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish highly desired.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in related discipline (counseling, psychology, criminal justice) with two years of experience working with underserved populations.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment which requires a quick response and resolution to issues as they occur.

Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans

www.saferfoundation.org

No Phone Calls Please

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.