Legal Career Center

Department: MED-Psych & Behavioral Science
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Job Summary:

This position is a Staff Clinical Coordinator at the Cook County Juvenile Court Clinic (CCJCC).  The CCJCC is operated by Northwestern University through a contract with the Cook County Office of the Chief Judge and is the primary provider of forensic mental health evaluations to the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection departments of the Cook County Circuit Court.  Clinical Coordinators provide courtroom consultation to judges, attorneys, and other court personnel and are responsible for identifying and facilitating responses to requests by Juvenile Court personnel for forensic evaluations and relevant mental health information needed in the context of Juvenile Court proceedings. This position will specifically assist with the management of referrals for evaluations of youth charged with sexual offenses and will assist with consultation and evaluation activities (e.g., intake interviews, collateral interviews) where the youth or family’s preferred language is Spanish.

Please note: Off campus at 2245 W. Ogden Ave, 5th Floor

Chicago, IL 60612

The Clinical Coordinator may occasionally be required to perform job duties outside of the CCJCC’s primary location, including providing consultation at suburban courthouses.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Facilitate/Support expansion of Juvenile Sex Offender Evaluation (JSOE) referrals to the Court Clinic from the Juvenile Justice Division by promptly responding to Court requests. Complete Intake Interview with the minor and/or parent(s) either in person or over the phone; complete the necessary Court and Clinic paperwork i.e. court orders, clinic referral form and distribute to court personnel. Act as liaison between the Court and Clinic during the evaluation process through written status memorandums; in-court follow up; and report distribution.  Attend all subsequent court dates until Clinic referral is resolved in court.
• Complete the Intake Interviews for all Spanish speaking cases referred to the Clinic from both the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection courtrooms.
• In collaboration with the assigned Clinic evaluator assist with collateral interviews of parent(s)/caregiver(s) and other Spanish speaking collateral sources when needed.
• Perform routine tasks including case documentation in the Clinic’s Case Management System to maintain communication with the Clinic team and for program evaluation purposes.
• Participate in various program evaluation activities such as clarifying data discrepancies.
• Collaboration with and linkage to state and community agencies to obtain existing information on clients.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MSW or equivalent combination of education, experience and training with at least 3 to 5 years of demonstrated clinical experience working with youth and families in child welfare and/or juvenile justice context.
• Fluency in Spanish
• Applicant should be self-directed, highly motivated and have excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong interpersonal, organizational and written skills are essential
• Computer skills – knowledge of Windows 10; Microsoft Teams; Outlook

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience working with youth and families in child welfare and/or juvenile justice context.
• Experience working with judges, attorneys, probation officers and caseworkers in the Juvenile Court system.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Strong clinical skills in working with youth and families involved in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems.
• Understanding of legal proceedings in both the juvenile justice and child protection divisions.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.