SAFER FOUNDATION
Job Description
Job Description
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 Lead
supports the daily operations of the First Appearance and Detention Court team by providing guidance, coordination, and oversight to Court Specialists. This role ensures compliance with Article 110 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, agency policies, and court protocols while supporting pretrial justice functions. The Lead works closely with Public Defender leadership, court staff, and the Sheriff’s Office to coordinate resources, schedules, and caseload distribution across courthouses. In addition to supervisory duties, the Lead maintains an active caseload by conducting detainee interviews and gathering information for Public Defenders in preparation for Initial Appearance hearings.
Under the supervision of the First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist Manager, the Lead facilitates onboarding and training for staff, monitors performance to ensure accuracy and timeliness of documentation, and serves as a liaison between internal and external partners. The position requires frequent travel to multiple courthouses, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to adapt to early mornings, extended hours, and weekends as needed. This role plays a critical part in ensuring that operations run smoothly, compliance is upheld, and participants receive the highest standard of support.
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 Supervise First Appearance and Detention Court Specialists. Provide day-to-day leadership and support to First Appearance and Detention Court Specialists. Set performance goals, monitor productivity, and conduct performance evaluations of Specialists Coordinate daily court coverage schedules and ensure adequate staffing at all assigned courtrooms. Assist in the training, onboarding, and ongoing development of court specialists. Serve as the primary point of contact for addressing operational issues, escalating to the Manager as appropriate. Monitor and ensure accuracy and timeliness of data entry and documentation related to court proceedings. Participate in or lead team meetings. Track data, generate reports, and analyze trends related to appearances, case flow, and service outcomes and report to Manager. Identify opportunities for system improvement, enhanced service delivery, and greater efficiency. Support the Manager in performance tracking, quality assurance reviews, and special projects as assigned. Ensure all team members are adhering to the policies and procedures of Safer Foundation and Cook County Courthouses. Requires frequent travel to multiple courthouses, early mornings, extended hours, and weekends as needed.
Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment Maintain professional working relationships with court personnel, legal representatives, law enforcement, and community partners. Demonstrate ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employers, clients, supervisors, and the general public.
Tracking, Document and Reporting Track data, generate reports, and analyze trends related to appearances, case flow, and service outcomes and report to Manger. Responsible for providing monthly and quarterly reports and submitting to the Manager. Participate in audit process with Manager and Director of Supportive Reentry Services in maintaining a regular audit schedule for reports.
Fiscal Reporting and Accountability Responsible for providing monthly and quarterly reports to the Manager. Maintain employees’ weekly timesheets.
Supervision of People Supervise First Appearance and Detention Court Specialists. Documenting all supervisions and inter-departmental staffing. Train and supervise staff in proper documentation, procedure, and protocol, troubleshooting issues and coaching on performance. Elevate issues requiring structural changes or input up to the Manager. Complete mid-year and annual performance reviews, corrective action plans, when necessary, review and approve timecards and request for time off and expense reports in a timely manner.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Passion for social justice. Strong understanding of court procedures Leadership and team-building capabilities with an emphasis on mentorship and performance management. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. High attention to detail with strong analytical and reporting abilities. Knowledge of the reentry process and cross-sectoral barriers faced by individuals upon release. Excellent communications (oral and written), computational and interpersonal skills. Computer literacy; able to use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) applications. Self-reliant, resourceful, and outcome-driven with the capability to function in a fast-paced, start-up work environment. Bilingual in English and Spanish highly desired
Education and Experience: Associate’s degree in criminal justice, Public Administration, Legal Studies, or related field (Required) can be substitute with 5 years of experience working in court procedures. Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressive experience in court operations, detention proceedings, or related criminal justice services. 2 years of supervisory experience.
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 www.saferfoundation.org
Opens a New Window No Phone Calls Please
Job Description
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 Lead
supports the daily operations of the First Appearance and Detention Court team by providing guidance, coordination, and oversight to Court Specialists. This role ensures compliance with Article 110 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, agency policies, and court protocols while supporting pretrial justice functions. The Lead works closely with Public Defender leadership, court staff, and the Sheriff’s Office to coordinate resources, schedules, and caseload distribution across courthouses. In addition to supervisory duties, the Lead maintains an active caseload by conducting detainee interviews and gathering information for Public Defenders in preparation for Initial Appearance hearings.
Under the supervision of the First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist Manager, the Lead facilitates onboarding and training for staff, monitors performance to ensure accuracy and timeliness of documentation, and serves as a liaison between internal and external partners. The position requires frequent travel to multiple courthouses, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to adapt to early mornings, extended hours, and weekends as needed. This role plays a critical part in ensuring that operations run smoothly, compliance is upheld, and participants receive the highest standard of support.
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 Supervise First Appearance and Detention Court Specialists. Provide day-to-day leadership and support to First Appearance and Detention Court Specialists. Set performance goals, monitor productivity, and conduct performance evaluations of Specialists Coordinate daily court coverage schedules and ensure adequate staffing at all assigned courtrooms. Assist in the training, onboarding, and ongoing development of court specialists. Serve as the primary point of contact for addressing operational issues, escalating to the Manager as appropriate. Monitor and ensure accuracy and timeliness of data entry and documentation related to court proceedings. Participate in or lead team meetings. Track data, generate reports, and analyze trends related to appearances, case flow, and service outcomes and report to Manager. Identify opportunities for system improvement, enhanced service delivery, and greater efficiency. Support the Manager in performance tracking, quality assurance reviews, and special projects as assigned. Ensure all team members are adhering to the policies and procedures of Safer Foundation and Cook County Courthouses. Requires frequent travel to multiple courthouses, early mornings, extended hours, and weekends as needed.
Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment Maintain professional working relationships with court personnel, legal representatives, law enforcement, and community partners. Demonstrate ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employers, clients, supervisors, and the general public.
Tracking, Document and Reporting Track data, generate reports, and analyze trends related to appearances, case flow, and service outcomes and report to Manger. Responsible for providing monthly and quarterly reports and submitting to the Manager. Participate in audit process with Manager and Director of Supportive Reentry Services in maintaining a regular audit schedule for reports.
Fiscal Reporting and Accountability Responsible for providing monthly and quarterly reports to the Manager. Maintain employees’ weekly timesheets.
Supervision of People Supervise First Appearance and Detention Court Specialists. Documenting all supervisions and inter-departmental staffing. Train and supervise staff in proper documentation, procedure, and protocol, troubleshooting issues and coaching on performance. Elevate issues requiring structural changes or input up to the Manager. Complete mid-year and annual performance reviews, corrective action plans, when necessary, review and approve timecards and request for time off and expense reports in a timely manner.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Passion for social justice. Strong understanding of court procedures Leadership and team-building capabilities with an emphasis on mentorship and performance management. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. High attention to detail with strong analytical and reporting abilities. Knowledge of the reentry process and cross-sectoral barriers faced by individuals upon release. Excellent communications (oral and written), computational and interpersonal skills. Computer literacy; able to use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) applications. Self-reliant, resourceful, and outcome-driven with the capability to function in a fast-paced, start-up work environment. Bilingual in English and Spanish highly desired
Education and Experience: Associate’s degree in criminal justice, Public Administration, Legal Studies, or related field (Required) can be substitute with 5 years of experience working in court procedures. Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressive experience in court operations, detention proceedings, or related criminal justice services. 2 years of supervisory experience.
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 www.saferfoundation.org
Opens a New Window No Phone Calls Please