Domestic Violence Legal Advocate (Henry County)

Job Title: Domestic Violence Legal Advocate (Henry County)

Reports To: DV Program Manager, Advocacy & Counseling

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Approved: April 2026

Founded in 1983, Freedom House is a dynamic and growing domestic and sexual violence agency headquartered in Princeton, IL, with satellite offices in Geneseo, Kewanee, Cambridge, and Lacon, and shelters located in both Princeton and Kewanee. We are searching for a Legal Advocate to serve victims of domestic violence. This position is responsible for providing counseling, crisis intervention, information, and assistance with the completion of emergency and follow-up Orders of Protection. This job role requires the use of independent judgment in all service-related responsibilities. The Legal Advocate is not a lawyer or medical professional; therefore, legal, and medical advice is not given to clients. This position will primarily serve victims in Henry County (in our Cambridge, Geneseo, and Kewanee satellite offices) with occasional Bureau, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark County coverage.

Primary Responsibilities

• Document all client contact, advocacy, referrals, and community contacts as necessary and according to internal and external requirements
• Serve as liaison to and on behalf of the client with law enforcement and court officials
• Accompany clients to meetings with law enforcement, and court officials, and to appropriate court proceedings
• Maintain client confidentiality as defined in Illinois Domestic Violence Act
• Provide crisis intervention and transportation to adult clients and their dependent children as needed
• Provide individual and group counseling to victims of domestic violence regarding IDVA, legal remedies, crime compensation act, criminal sanctions, and other related areas
• Identify, explain, and clarify options available to victims, including reporting to police and state attorneys’ offices
• Assist clients in preparation for official law enforcement and court-related proceedings.
• Provide clients with assistance and support for the completion of emergency and follow-up orders of protection
• Assist clients and provides emotional support when violations of orders of protection occur
• Provide professional training to law enforcement agencies and medical professionals
• Participates in outreach events and/or give public education presentations to the community
• Holiday shift rotation for agency coverage

Additional Responsibilities

• Frequent local and occasional national travel (training) may be required
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with local law enforcement and criminal justice officials
• Develop and/or build upon a list of potential client support agencies and partners
• Advocate for criminal justice system policies and procedures that are supportive of the needs of domestic violence victims, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, and the availability of program services
• Serve as a mandated reporter and comply with all reporting requirements
• Other duties as assigned by Program Manager

Qualification Requirements

• Associate’s degree in social/human services or at least one year of experience in a related field required
• Bachelor’s degree in social/human services preferred
• Ability to assess levels of emotional distress and respond accordingly
• Excellent organizational and computer skills
• Knowledge of domestic violence best practices and survivors’ support strategies
• Successful completion of a 60-hour Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault training through an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional-approved site (provided upon hire)
• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with teammates
• Excellent written, verbal, and counseling communication skills
• Experience, ability, and willingness to communicate and work well with survivors from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and with various religious beliefs, lifestyles, sexual orientations, age variance, and differing abilities
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and agency confidentiality
• Possession of a valid Illinois Driver’s License and proof of insurance
• Proficiency with computer and software applications utilized by the agency
• Be able to comply and pass a background check with a drug test
• Flexibility with work schedule - may vary to client and/or agency needs

Benefits

• 401(k) equivalent with one-to-one employer match up to 2% of gross wages
• Health Insurance
• HSA in line with HDHP Health Insurance election
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (up to 15 days in first year of employment)
• Sick Days Allowance (up to 5 days in first year of employment)
• Paid Holidays (15)

Pay

• Annual Salary - $41,600 - $46,800

Application process

1.) Submit the Freedom House application through our website:

2.) Send a cover letter and resume listing work experience, education, and references to:

DV Program Manager, Advocacy & Counseling - Confidential

Freedom House

440 Elm Place

Princeton, IL 61356

Or email the completed application, cover letter, and resume (MSWord, or PDF attachments) to: [email protected]

Incomplete applications and those without a resume or cover letter will not be considered.

Freedom House does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status or sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Freedom House will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with known disabilities unrelated to the ability to perform one’s job unless doing so would result in undue hardship to the organization. Job requirements may include remaining in a stationary position 75% of the time, moving to accomplish filing and clerical duties, operating technology items such as a computer, laptop, phone, and other similar devices, the ability to communicate information and ideas accurately and effectively so others will understand, observing details at close range (within a few feet of the observer), moving equipment in boxes that may weigh up to 30 pounds across office and outside locations for various needs, the ability to ascend and descend stairs as required within the workplace, and the ability to work in outdoor weather conditions. Employment with Freedom House is employment-at-will, meaning it is voluntarily entered into and may be terminated at any time, without or with cause, by the employee or by Freedom House. Posting this notice does create a commitment by Freedom House to fill the position.

Pay: $20.00 - $22.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• social/human services: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person