Victim Specialist V - Juvenile Justice

Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is seeking a dedicated Victim Specialist to provide support and advocacy for victims of crime. The role involves delivering trauma-informed services, conducting needs assessments, and collaborating with community resources to ensure victims receive the necessary support.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience and demonstrate excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. This position is based in Chicago, Illinois, and offers a salary of $64,745.

Qualifications

• Must have a bachelor’s degree or 3+ years of relevant experience.
• The candidate must be an empathetic listener with knowledge of victims' rights.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed services to victims and survivors of crime.
• Conduct comprehensive intakes and develop individualized safety plans.
• Deliver crisis intervention and emotional support to victims.

Skills

Empathetic listening

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Cultural competency

Microsoft 365 proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, or related field

Job description

Job Title

Victim Specialist V#460

Reports to

Victim Witness Administrative Supervisor

Level

Entry

Salary

$64,745

Grade

15

Location

1100 S Hamilton

Bureau

Victim Witness Services

Division/Unit

Juvenile

Application deadline

June 26, 2026

Working Environment

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

Primary Function

In compliance with state and national statutes governing victims’ rights, the Victim Specialist will provide victims with services under four broad categories of: Information/Education, Emotional Support, Safety and Concrete Services. Promotes the program, engages in community outreach and assists in the identification of community resources.

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.
• 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.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Maintain program statistics, case documentation, and prepare monthly activity reports.
• Deliver training to SAO colleagues and partner agencies on victim services and the role of the Victim Specialist.
• Work a flexible schedule based on unit needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• The candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant program (sociology, psychology, women’s studies or related field). In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, 3+ years of relevant experience may be substituted.
• The candidate must be an empathetic listener with knowledge of the rights of victims 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 working with victims of violent crime and/or protective orders.
• 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.