Bilingual Legal Services Case Manager (Relief Staff)

Department: Courthouse Services

Reports To: Director of Courthouse Services

Location: Waukegan, IL Multi-site (Lake County)

Employment Type: Part-Time / Hourly

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Flexible scheduling required for court accompaniment and client needs

Compensation: $22.11 - $32.69 hourly (Pay Grade PG05-PG06) Salary commensurate with experience

About Us

A Safe Place has served as Lake County's leading advocate for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are committed to safety, dignity, and long-term healing for individuals and families impacted by violence.

Every role here matters. Whether you work directly with survivors or support the systems behind the scenes, you are part of a trauma-informed organization building pathways to safety and independence.

About the Role

The Bilingual Legal Services Case Manager walks alongside survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking as they navigate one of the most complex and high-stakes systems they will ever face, the legal system. In this role, you will be the person who makes that system accessible: explaining protective orders in plain language, accompanying clients to court, building relationships with judges, attorneys, and law enforcement, and connecting clients to the full range of services ASP has to offer.

This is a role for someone who brings both legal knowledge and deep compassion, someone who understands that safety planning and empathy are just as important as paperwork. Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency is required.

What You'll Do

Eligibility & Intake

• Conduct client eligibility determinations using CIS and Infonet
• Complete all required funding documentation, including DHS, ICADV, and Medicaid paperwork

Needs Assessment & Service Planning

• Conduct needs assessments using IM+CATS and/or IM+CANS
• Develop individualized service plans and safety plans for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
• Connect clients to ASP programs and community resources through the referral process

Legal Documentation & Court Support

• Assist clients in preparing and filing orders of protection and other protective orders
• Accompany clients to court hearings; provide emotional support and procedural guidance
• Explain court procedures and legal options in accessible, empowering language

Legal System Navigation & Advocacy

• Serve as liaison between clients and the State's Attorney's Office, legal aid organizations, and Lake County law enforcement
• Educate court and law enforcement personnel on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and Lake County protocols
• Represent ASP and the needs of survivors in community settings

Documentation & Team Support

• Maintain accurate, timely client records in CIS and Infonet
• Support interns, volunteers, and new staff through training and procedural guidance
• Participate in staff meetings, agency trainings, and organizational initiatives

Medicaid Billing Notice

This position includes Medicaid billing as an essential function. The employee must maintain all credentials required to bill under applicable Medicaid programs, including RSA, MHP, or QMHP designation as required by role and funder.

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, criminal justice, or a closely related field (HS diploma/GED + 3-5 years of qualifying experience may be considered in lieu of degree)
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence or within the criminal justice system
• Bilingual proficiency: English and Spanish required
• Knowledge of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Human Trafficking Act, mandated reporting, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365; ability to learn client database systems (CIS, Infonet)
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, or a related field
• QMHP, RSA, or MHP designation (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience in court advocacy, legal aid, or cross-system collaboration with law enforcement and legal partners
• Experience with IDHS, ICADV, VAWA, or Medicaid billing compliance
• Familiarity with IM+CANS, IM+CATS, Infonet, or agency LMS

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Bring a trauma-informed, empowerment-based approach to every client interaction
• Can hold space for someone in crisis while simultaneously managing complex paperwork and court deadlines
• Feel energized by building relationships across systems, courts, law enforcement, legal aid, and community partners
• Are fluent in English and Spanish and understand the cultural nuances that matter to the communities we serve
• Believe in a world free from violence and want your work to help build it

Work Environment

This position operates across professional office settings, Lake County courthouses, law enforcement agencies, and community partner sites. Employees regularly encounter trauma disclosures and high-stress crises. Flexible scheduling is required to accommodate court accompaniment and client needs. Up to two holiday shifts per year are required.

Benefits

This position is part-time and does not qualify for agency-sponsored benefits, including health, dental, vision, or retirement plans.

Additional Information

This posting outlines the role's primary responsibilities. A full job description will be provided upon hire.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Pre-employment requirements include DCFS and criminal background checks, fingerprinting, professional reference and license verification, and clearance through the sex offender registry and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Equal Opportunity & Inclusive Hiring Statement

A Safe Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities and are dedicated to providing a respectful environment free from discrimination or harassment.