Trauma-Informed Bilingual Court Advocacy Paralegal

A Safe Place Career; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance including BCBS PPO,

HSA and FSA options

Dental and Vision insurance

Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and 0

Long Disability programs

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) plan

Generous time off including 3 weeks of

vacation and 12 sick days

2 floating holidays and 1 birthday PTO

8 paid Holidays

Job summary

A Safe Place in Waukegan, IL is seeking a compassionate Bilingual Paralegal to support victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. The role focuses on crisis intervention, safety planning, and case management for clients preparing for court proceedings in a trauma-informed manner.

Reporting to the Director of Courthouse Services, you will liaise between clients and the legal system, provide referrals, and accompany clients to court hearings.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Paralegal certification required.
• Bachelor’s degree in legal studies, social work, counseling, criminal justice, or a related field preferred. A high school diploma/GED with 3–5 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client intake, eligibility, and needs assessments; complete required DHS, ICADV, Medicaid, and agency documentation.
• Develop individualized safety and service plans and connect clients with appropriate internal and community resources.
• Assist survivors with Orders of Protection, protective orders, and other legal documents.
• Accompany clients to court and provide trauma-informed emotional support, procedural information, advocacy, and safety planning.
• Serve as a liaison between clients and courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, legal aid, and other legal-system partners.
• Support survivors whose experiences with domestic violence or human trafficking intersect with past, current, or potential incarceration.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records and complete data entry, statistical tracking, grant reporting, and program evaluation requirements.
• Provide client and community education regarding domestic violence, human trafficking, legal advocacy, and available resources.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to develop bilingual English-Spanish and low-literacy educational materials.
• Participate in training, staff meetings, outreach, and other activities supporting A Safe Place’s mission.

Skills

Bilingual English-Spanish

Trauma-informed practices

Crisis intervention

Court proceeding support

Communication and documentation

Education

Paralegal certification

Bachelor’s degree in legal studies, social work, counseling, criminal justice, or related field

High school diploma/GED with 3–5 years of relevant experience

Job description

A Safe Place in Waukegan, IL is seeking a compassionate Bilingual Paralegal to support victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. The role focuses on crisis intervention, safety planning, and case management for clients preparing for court proceedings in a trauma-informed manner.

Reporting to the Director of Courthouse Services, you will liaise between clients and the legal system, provide referrals, and accompany clients to court hearings.