First Appearance & Detention Court Specialist

First Appearance & Detention Court SpecialistJob Category: Community Reentry ServiceRequisition Number: FIRST001072Posted : April 27, 2026Full-TimeOn-siteSalary : $48,200 USD per yearLocationsShowing 1 locationChicago, IL 60608, USADescriptionThe 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 employmentGeneral 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/clients 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.Performance Results DescriptionThe 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 ResponsibilitiesStakeholder Interface and ServiceWork closely with the Public Defender's Office in gathering documents associated with individuals that have been arrested and are waiting for their initial appearance court hearing.Individuals who have been arrested and are waiting for the initial court hearing are detained in a holding area in Cook County Criminal Courthouse.Conduct client interviews to gather mitigation and case related information to support legal representation during Initial Appearance Court.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., conduct 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.Upload, organize, and maintain digital case materials, including large volumes of discovery, within internal case management systems.Review and process discovery materials to ensure files are properly labeled, categorized, and accessible.Breakdown large or combined documents (i.e. multi-agency PDFs) into separate, organized documents using Adobe or similar software.Complete service referral linkages to service providers.Track all contacts with clients and submit reports to the Public Defenders.Stakeholder Outreach and RecruitmentUse established best practice tools and techniques, such as motivational interviewing, to obtain information.Support attorneys with case preparation.Assist attorneys with document and discovery management.Tracking, Document, and ReportingThoroughly 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 AbilitiesStrong computer literacy and ability to manage high volumes of digital files.Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat or similar software, including splitting, organizing, and editing large PDF documents.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.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.Oral and written communication skills, i.e., descriptive writing skills are essential.Experience with case management practices, including data entry into electronic case management systems, service tracking, service referrals, and preparing reports for internal and external stakeholders.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 highly desired.Education and ExperienceAssociate's degree in 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.Licenses and or CertificationsSafer Foundation is a drug‑free workplaceEqual Opportunity EmployerEqual Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/VeteransEqual Opportunity Employer © This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.No Phone Calls Pleasewww.saferfoundation.org#J-18808-Ljbffr

First Appearance & Detention Court SpecialistJob Category: Community Reentry ServiceRequisition Number: FIRST001072Posted : April 27, 2026Full-TimeOn-siteSalary : $48,200 USD per yearLocationsShowing 1 locationChicago, IL 60608, USADescriptionThe 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 employmentGeneral 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/clients 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.Performance Results DescriptionThe 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 ResponsibilitiesStakeholder Interface and ServiceWork closely with the Public Defender's Office in gathering documents associated with individuals that have been arrested and are waiting for their initial appearance court hearing.Individuals who have been arrested and are waiting for the initial court hearing are detained in a holding area in Cook County Criminal Courthouse.Conduct client interviews to gather mitigation and case related information to support legal representation during Initial Appearance Court.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., conduct 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.Upload, organize, and maintain digital case materials, including large volumes of discovery, within internal case management systems.Review and process discovery materials to ensure files are properly labeled, categorized, and accessible.Breakdown large or combined documents (i.e. multi-agency PDFs) into separate, organized documents using Adobe or similar software.Complete service referral linkages to service providers.Track all contacts with clients and submit reports to the Public Defenders.Stakeholder Outreach and RecruitmentUse established best practice tools and techniques, such as motivational interviewing, to obtain information.Support attorneys with case preparation.Assist attorneys with document and discovery management.Tracking, Document, and ReportingThoroughly 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 AbilitiesStrong computer literacy and ability to manage high volumes of digital files.Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat or similar software, including splitting, organizing, and editing large PDF documents.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.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.Oral and written communication skills, i.e., descriptive writing skills are essential.Experience with case management practices, including data entry into electronic case management systems, service tracking, service referrals, and preparing reports for internal and external stakeholders.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 highly desired.Education and ExperienceAssociate's degree in 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.Licenses and or CertificationsSafer Foundation is a drug‑free workplaceEqual Opportunity EmployerEqual Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/VeteransEqual Opportunity Employer © This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.No Phone Calls Pleasewww.saferfoundation.org#J-18808-Ljbffr

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