Position Title: Bilingual (Arabic Speaking) Domestic Violence Court Advocate – VAWA STOP Program
Department: Gender-Based Violence Program
Reports To: Supervisor of Gender-Based Violence
Employment Type: Full-Time | Non-Exempt | 37.5 hour work week
Location: Worth, Illinois | Onsite
Compensation
$25.00–$29.00/ hourly rate, commensurate with experience and bilingual qualifications.
Benefits
AAFS offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development support.
Funding Statement
This position may be supported through grant funding. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding.
Primary Work Location
Worth, Illinois, with primary responsibility for the Bridgeview Courthouse. Occasional travel to other Cook County, Will County, and DuPage County courthouses and community locations as needed.
Benefits
AAFS offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, retirement plan options, and professional development opportunities.
About AAFS
Arab American Family Services (AAFS) provides culturally competent social services to individuals and families, empowering communities and strengthening lives through advocacy, education, and support.
Position Summary
Arab American Family Services (AAFS) is seeking a Bilingual (Arabic) Domestic Violence Court Advocate to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered advocacy services through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) STOP Program.
This position expands access to justice for survivors of domestic violence by reducing linguistic, cultural, and systemic barriers, particularly for Arab, Middle Eastern and North African (MENA), immigrant, refugee, Muslim, and limited English proficient communities. Services are available to all eligible survivors.
The Bilingual Court Advocate serves as the primary court-based contact for survivors seeking Orders of Protection and provides guidance throughout the civil legal process, including crisis intervention, safety planning, legal education, court accompaniment, and assistance with petitions.
This role also provides comprehensive wraparound advocacy services, including case management, housing advocacy, referrals, and ongoing support to promote long-term safety and stability. The Advocate works collaboratively with courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, and community partners to strengthen coordinated responses to domestic violence.
Key Responsibilities
Court and Legal Advocacy
- Serve as the primary court-based advocate for survivors seeking Orders of Protection
- Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and safety planning before, during, and after court
- Explain survivor rights and legal remedies under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA)
- Assist with preparation and completion of Emergency, Interim, and Plenary Orders of Protection
- Prepare survivors for hearings, including court procedures and expectations
- Accompany survivors to court hearings and State’s Attorney meetings when appropriate
- Provide Crime Victim Compensation information and application assistance
- Coordinate with court personnel, attorneys, law enforcement, and interpreters
- Refer to legal services for concerns related to divorce, child custody, immigration, etc.
- Advocate for meaningful language access and culturally responsive services
- Maintain current knowledge of relevant laws, court procedures, and legal resources
Survivor Advocacy and Case Management
- Conduct ongoing needs and safety assessments
- Develop individualized, survivor-centered service plans
- Provide crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and advocacy
- Develop and update safety plans addressing home, work, court, and technology safety
- Assist with access to shelter, emergency housing, and long-term housing stability
- Coordinate transportation assistance as available
- Provide referrals to legal, healthcare, counseling, and social services
- Collaborate with internal AAFS programs for coordinated service delivery
- Maintain consistent follow-up to support long-term stability
- Respect survivor autonomy and support informed decision-making
Institutional Advocacy
- Collaborate with courts, law enforcement, healthcare, and community providers
- Promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices
- Identify and address systemic barriers impacting survivors
- Participate in multidisciplinary and coordinated community response efforts
- Advocate for language access and equitable service delivery
Community Outreach and Training
- Represent AAFS at community meetings, outreach events, and court-based initiatives
- Conduct outreach to increase awareness of VAWA services and survivor rights
- Participating in Domestic Violence Awareness Month and community education efforts
- Support training for community partners and professionals related to VAWA services
- Build relationships with organizations serving underserved communities
Documentation, Compliance, and Quality Assurance
- Complete timely, accurate documentation in accordance with funder and agency requirements
- Enter data into InfoNet and agency systems while maintaining confidentiality
- Maintain statistics for reporting, evaluation, and grant compliance
- Protect confidentiality in accordance with VAWA and Illinois laws
- Maintain files consistent with privilege and confidentiality requirements
- Participate in audits, file reviews, and quality assurance processes
- Complete required reports, including time and effort documentation
Agency Responsibilities
- Required 40-hour Domestic Violence Training prior to providing direct services
- Obtain and maintain Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) credential within established time frame
- Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and case consultation
- Maintain ongoing professional development
- Assist with hotline coverage, hospital response, or program needs assigned
- Support outreach events and agency initiatives
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, or related field preferred
- Experience in domestic violence advocacy, court advocacy, or human services preferred
- Experience working with diverse and underserved populations preferred
Required Certifications and Requirements
- Completion of ICDVP-approved 40-hour Domestic Violence Training within 30 days of hire
- Completion of ICASA-approved Sexual Assault Training or 60-hour (or greater) combined DV/SA training within agency established period.
- ICDVP certification within 2 years
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance
- Successful completion of background check
- Ability to travel locally (mileage reimbursement provided)
- Bilingual Arabic/English preferred
- Ability to travel occasionally, including overnight travel for required meetings, conferences, and trainings, including those held in Springfield, Illinois. (mileage/M&IE reimbursement provided)
- Bilingual Arabic/English preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics and trauma-informed care
- Understanding of Illinois Domestic Violence Act and court processes (or ability to learn)
- Strong interpersonal and crisis intervention skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Strong documentation, time management, and organizational skills
- Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary partners
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data systems (InfoNet preferred)
Legal and Compliance Responsibilities
- Comply with Illinois confidentiality and privilege laws, including protections under 750 ILCS 60/227-227.1 and 735 ILCS 5/8-802.1
- Adhere to VAWA confidentiality requirements, including informed consent and data privacy protections
- Serve as a mandated reporter in accordance with Illinois law
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the workday
- Ability to communicate effectively in multiple settings
- Ability to operate standard office equipment
- Ability to lift 20 pounds
- Ability to travel independently within the service area
Additional Information
- This position is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Work Environment
Work is performed in offices, courthouses, hospitals, and community settings. This position involves working with individuals in crisis and may require de-escalation and adherence to safety protocols.
Schedule typically aligns with court hours, with some flexibility required for early dockets, evenings, or occasional weekends.
ADA and Accommodations
Arab American Family Services is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Qualified applicants and employees who require accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position should notify Human Resources.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive. Responsibilities may be modified as needed.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Arab American Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to equity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practices. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who reflect on the communities we serve, including those with lived experience.
AAFS does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status under applicable law.