Associate Director Of Crisis Response
About The Position
A Safe Place has served as Lake County's leading advocate for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are committed to safety, dignity, and long-term healing for individuals and families impacted by violence. Every role here matters. Whether you work directly with survivors or support the systems behind the scenes, you are part of a trauma-informed organization building pathways to safety and independence. The Associate Director of Crisis Response (ADCR) oversees the Crisis Housing and Human Trafficking (HT) program areas within the Emergency Crisis Response Department. The ADCR assists adult and child family members affected by domestic violence and/or human trafficking through initial assessment, service plan development, and referrals to needed services. This support may occur at the scene of a crime, immediately after, or on an ongoing basis. The ADCR reports directly to the Chief Crisis Response Officer (CCRO), serves as backup to other supervisory roles within the department, and works collaboratively across all agency programs. This is a 24/7 on-call position that includes participation in the rotating schedule at multiple off-site shelter locations, including weekends.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, or closely related field with significant related experience
- Experience in crisis response, domestic violence services, or human trafficking advocacy; ability to work on-call and in emergency field settings
- Knowledge of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Human Trafficking Act, mandated reporting, and HIPAA
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365, client database/EHR systems, and grant budget spreadsheets
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Medicaid billing as an essential function; maintain all credentials required to bill under applicable Medicaid programs, including RSA, MHP, or QMHP designation as required by role and funder.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in social work, counseling, or closely related field
- Cross-system collaboration experience; program management and supervisory background
- Bilingual English/Spanish; additional language skills a plus
- Experience with IDHS, VAWA, federal HT grant compliance, or 42 CFR Part 2
- Familiarity with HMIS, LMS, or agency-specific reporting tools
- Stay calm and decisive under pressure in high-stakes, fast-moving crisis situations
- Lead with empathy and hold your team accountable with equal measure
- Energized by direct client work and systems-level coordination — often in the same day
- Believe in a trauma-informed, empowerment-based approach to survivor services
- Comfortable navigating across settings, from an office meeting to a hospital ER to an emergency shelter
Responsibilities
- Oversee the Crisis Housing and Human Trafficking Division, ensuring staff goals and outcomes are met
- Plan, implement, and deliver services including emergency shelter/hotels, housing, and DV/HT services
- Provide outreach and training as needed across program areas
- Provide direct supervision, direction, and support to team members, interns, and volunteers
- Handle emergency calls and serve as a coordination hub for task distribution
- Serve on-call to coordinate with hospitals, police departments, and community partners on DV and HT incidents
- Work as a first responder at shelters, client homes, hospitals, and police departments
- Function as a DV advocate alongside law enforcement, connecting survivors to safety planning and resources
- Conduct intake and develop individualized service and safety plans with assigned clients
- Carry a caseload, provide community referrals, and offer short-term crisis support for incoming clients
- Triage calls from the helpline, hospitals, police, and social service agencies at the Emergency Shelter
- Participate in the rotating on-call schedule for off-site shelters, including weekends
- Maintain accurate, timely client records consistent with agency policies and funding requirements
- Provide clients with information on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Orders of Protection, and stalking laws
- Participate in staff meetings, case consultations, and required trainings
- Perform additional responsibilities in support of shelter staff and clients
Benefits
- health, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- 401(k) retirement plan
- generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
