What are the responsibilities and job description for the First Appearance & Detention Court Specialist position at SAFER FOUNDATION?
The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment.
General Summary:
The First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist is responsible for gathering information from individuals/clients for the Public Defender, which will be utilized during the individuals/client’s initial appearance hearing in accordance with Article 110 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The individuals have been arrested and are detained by the Cook County Sheriff and are awaiting their hearing in Initial Appearance Court. Please note that the primary work location is at the George Leighton Courthouse on 2650 S. California Ave., Chicago IL 60608.
Performance Results Description
The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.
Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity and Evidence Based Innovation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Stakeholder Interface and Service
- Initial Appearance and Detention Court Specialist gathers arrest reports and other documents and a list of all detainees from the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and compiling a list of all new Clients that have come in that day.
- Initial Appearance and Detention Court Specialist shall print reports that are needed for the Initial Appearance hearing and deliver the clients’ files to the courts.
- Meet with individuals who have been detained and are in a holding area in the Criminal Courthouse.
- Interview to gather information to provide to the Public Defenders for the initial Appearance Court.
- First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist may be required to interview Clients’ family, friends, and witnesses in their home and places of work throughout the Cook County to gather information needed for legal representation in court.
- Verify all information gathered from clients to determine accuracy and validity, i.e., conducting site visits to homes, employers, etc. as needed.
- Provide intensive follow-up on each case to ensure that all steps in the process have been completed according to defined process, procedures, and standards.
- Initial Appearance and Detention Court Specialist shall be required to upload data into internal systems.
- Initial Appearance and Detention Court Specialist will attend the Initial Appearance court hearing and record the outcome of each hearing.
- Initial Appearance and Detention Court Specialist will provide information to Clients’ family members and friends regarding the hearing.
- Specialist shall track all contacts with Clients and submit reports to the Public Defenders.
Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment
- Use established best practice tools and techniques, such as motivational interviewing, to obtain information.
- Provide Clients’ family members and friends information regarding the hearings.
Tracking, Document, and Reporting
- Thoroughly and accurately document client responses and provide comprehensive reports in a timely manner.
- Track all contacts and submit regular reports on progress.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Skilled in active listening and conveying information to others effectively
- Skilled in Social Perceptiveness (awareness of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do)
- Skilled in Critical Thinking, judgment and decision-making
- Oral and written communication skills, i.e., descriptive writing skills are essential
- Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle with current, active insurance
- Geographical knowledge and ability to travel within Cook County.
- Hands-on experience and self-sufficiency with Microsoft productivity tools, including Outlook (for email), Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and online collaboration tools (video conferencing, Zoom/Teams, messaging).
- Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus
Education and Experience:
- Associate’s degree in a related discipline (counseling, psychology, criminal justice) with two years of experience working with underserved populations.
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment which requires a quick response and resolution to issues as they occur.
Benefits:
- Medical Insurance – Care for you and eligible family members
- Choice of two (2) Medical Plan options from BlueCross BlueShield
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
- Dental Insurance – Offered by BCBS
- Individual coverage 100% paid by Safer!
- Eligible family coverage available
- Vision – “See” how Safer cares for your eye health
- Low-cost co-pays for in-network exam, frames & contacts
- Life Insurance – Protection for you & your family
- Basic Life (equal to 1.5 times your salary.)
- 100% paid by Safer!
- 403b Retirement Plan – Helping you save for retirement
- Generous Company match to help you save more!
- Vacation & Holidays – Refresh, rewind, & enjoy at Safer!
- Vacation days (non-manager)
- Company Holidays (2025); more than industry standard
- Paid Leave Days
- Other Benefits & Perks -adding value to You!
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
- Benefits such as Pet Insurance, Critical Illness, & Travel
Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans
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