Mental Health Victim Specialist

Mental Health Victim Specialist (#471)

Reports to: Deputy Bureau Chief
Location: 555 W. Harrison St.- Domestic Violence Courthouse
Classification: Grade 18/Full-time/Union
Division: Victim Services Bureau
Salary: $79, 895 (Entry) - This may vary for internal candidates
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

Primary Function:

In accordance with state and federal statutes governing victims’ rights, the Mental Health Victim Specialist delivers comprehensive services, support, and advocacy to victims and survivors of violent crime. The Mental Health Victim Specialist provides crisis intervention, and case management to victims who have experienced poly-victimization and acute trauma. The Specialist provides supplemental court-related assistance and emotional support. The Specialist provides outreach, community linkages, and other supportive services to victims of crime.

Physical Requirements:

Light Work: The position requires the ability to stand or walk frequently, often for extended periods. You may need to lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 20 pounds regularly, and occasionally heavier items. The job may also involve a significant amount of walking or standing relative to sedentary roles

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide trauma-informed services, support, advocacy, and case management to victims, witnesses, and survivors of crime.
• Assess victim needs, determine eligibility for available services or programs, and make appropriate referrals.
• Conduct comprehensive intakes, complete safety assessments, and develop individualized safety and service plans.
• Deliver emotional support, referrals to appropriate community resources and intensive crisis intervention, including emergency crisis intervention and linkage to emergency services.
• Collaborate with State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO) colleagues to address safety concerns and support prosecution efforts.
• Build and maintain a network of community-based advocates, government agencies, and partner organizations to expand referral options for victims.
• Collaborate with partner agencies on a regular basis and conduct warm handovers between victims and service providers.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case information and coordinate with team members to ensure consistent support for victims.
• Provide ongoing follow-up to ensure continued support, safety, and case-related updates to victims.
• Ensure victims and witnesses are informed of their rights, available resources, and the criminal justice process.
• Coordinate transportation and related logistics for victims and witnesses as needed.
• Attend meetings and trainings, as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Maintain program statistics, case documentation, and prepare regular activity reports.
• Deliver training to SAO colleagues and partner agencies on the Victim Services Bureau and the role of the Victim Specialist, as well as topics around trauma, polyvictimization, and the criminal court system.
• Work a flexible schedule based on unit needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• The candidate must hold a master's degree in social work or a related field (counseling, criminal justice, etc.).
• Must hold a mental health license (i.e. LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, etc.).
• Clinical training and experience in trauma assessment and treatment.
• Candidate must have experience with assessment, case planning, crisis intervention, and case management skills.
• Candidate must be an empathetic listener with knowledge of victims’ rights as defined by state and national law.
• Must have excellent grammar, organizational and communication skills.
• The candidate must be able to work flexible hours and ability to travel to other courthouse locations, as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.
• Candidate must be able to work independently, multi-task, and have ability to demonstrate cultural competency.

Preferred:

• Experience working with victims of violent crime and/or protective orders.
• Experience collaborating with community-based service providers.
• Knowledge of CCSAO databases and/or ability to learn is important.
• Bilingual Proficiency (especially Spanish, Polish, Arabic).

Equal Employment Opportunity

EEO Message: The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is an equal opportunity employer, which seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The CCSAO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Upon request, the CCSAO will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals due to a disability or pregnancy. The EEOP report can be found on our website at www.cookcountystatesattorney.org.