Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sheila A Gray

Aurora,IL

Summary

Experienced Domestic Violence Professional with with 18 years of experience in Legal Advocacy and Residential Programs. Excellent reputation for resolving problems, crisis intervention and community engagement.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Legal Advocate Program Manager

Mutual Ground, Inc.
Aurora, IL
05.2007 - 10.2021
  • Interpreted Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) including court procedures and laws designed to protect victims of domestic and sexual abuse
  • Assisted victims in obtaining Orders of Protection and other No Contact orders, completing petitions for filing in court and being present with victims in courtroom during hearings.
  • Advocated with police departments, judges, circuit clerks and States' Attorney's office on behalf of victims.
  • Training and educating community partners, including law enforcement, on working with victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
  • Managing 2 full time Legal Advocates including work production, time management and performance evaluations.

Legal Advocate

Mutual Ground, Inc.
Aurora, IL
06.2003 - 05.2007
  • Interpreted Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) including court procedures and laws designed to protect victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
  • Assisted victims in obtaining Orders of Protection and other No Contact orders, completing and filing petitions and being present with victims in court during hearings.
  • Advocated with police departments, judges, circuit clerks and States' Attorney's office on behalf of victims.
  • Training and educating community partners, including law enforcement, on working with victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

Domestic Violence Victim Advocate

Mutual Ground, Inc.
Aurora, IL
09.2002 - 06.2003
  • Counseled individuals and families regarding impact of domestic abuse.
  • Provided referrals for housing, medical care and employment for clients by collaborating with various community agencies.
  • Attended hours of conferences and training courses to increase my knowledge of working with victims of domestic and sexual abuse with ultimate goal of becoming Certified Domestic Violence Professional
  • Interviewed clients and family members to obtain key information for case planning and management.
  • Conducted weekly house meetings with residential clients to discuss issues and concerns.
  • Conducted weekly support groups with residential clients to address individual experiences in safe settings.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Corrections

Illinois State University
Normal, IL
08.1981

Skills

  • Document filing in Civil Domestic Violence proceedings
  • Expert in Illinois Domestic Violence Act Civil proceedings
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Expert in Illinois Domestic Violence Act Criminal proceedings
  • Mandated Reporter
  • Planning and Coordination between key stakeholders supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse
  • Community advocate
  • Program management

Affiliations

Human Relations Commissioner for the City of Aurora

2013 - 2021


Election Judge for the City of Aurora

2008 - 2012

Certification

Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP)

2006 - Present

Timeline

Legal Advocate Program Manager

Mutual Ground, Inc.
05.2007 - 10.2021

Legal Advocate

Mutual Ground, Inc.
06.2003 - 05.2007

Domestic Violence Victim Advocate

Mutual Ground, Inc.
09.2002 - 06.2003

Bachelor of Science - Corrections

Illinois State University

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Sheila A Gray