GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Legal Advocate is responsible for providing legal advocacy and related services to all participants in the Dove Domestic Violence program.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Provides direct services to participants (completes intakes on non-residential/residential participants; answers hotline as needed; provides counseling, case management, crisis intervention & referrals to participants) Advocates for clients with other service providers as needed. Documents services provided according to program standards. Provides legal advocacy services and assist with Order of Protection to both residential and non-residential participants. Educates participants of their legal rights as related to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA). Works with volunteer legal advocates as needed. Provides presentations to the community, judicial system, and law enforcement about domestic violence. Will also attend all required meetings with judicial system and law enforcement. Provides On Call duties within the rotation of domestic violence staff. Attends/participates in all required Dove and Domestic Violence Program meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Legal Advocate should have two years of experience in the human services field. Experience in the domestic violence field preferred. An academic degree may be substituted for some of the experience. The Legal Advocate should have or be capable of learning the following skills: counseling victims of domestic violence, crisis intervention, problem solving, case management, program planning, and time management. Applicants should have effective communication skills and should be able to work in a cooperative team atmosphere and function smoothly under stress. Applicants should be able to perform the following when needed: Lift and carry 30-50 pounds and sit and/or stand for prolonged periods of time. Prior to employment all employees are subjects to background screenings as required by program grants and the Dove, Inc. Personnel Policy. These screenings may be updated periodically. This position may require travel to sites or client locations. Reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and proof of insurance are required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The introductory salary range is $32,000 to $36,000 annually. Raises are provided annually based on availability of funding. Fringe benefits include paid holidays, up to 19 paid leave days per year, group health insurance, life insurance and disability insurance, direct deposit, matching retirement fund, and an Employee Assistance Program.

WORK CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

The Legal Advocate works under the supervision of the Domestic Violence Client Services Supervisor. This employment is contingent upon continued funding for this position. This is a full-time 40 hour per week position. An office is provided in the Domestic Violence Shelter. Days worked may include weekends, evenings, and holidays. This office is located in Decatur, IL.

DOVE, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Revised November 2025

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$32,000.00 - $36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person