Domestic Violence Advocate

Maryville Academy•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Domestic Violence (DV) Advocate provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive advocacy and support to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. The Advocate helps survivors identify safety needs, access community resources, navigate systems, and develop individualized safety and service plans. The position promotes survivor self-determination, confidentiality, empowerment, and safety while coordinating services with behavioral health, case management, legal, housing, healthcare, and other community partners.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence, families, children, behavioral health, crisis intervention, or other vulnerable populations preferred.
Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, trauma-informed care, safety planning, and community resources.
Strong communication, advocacy, crisis intervention, documentation, and organizational skills.
Ability to establish trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive and potentially high-risk situations.
Proficiency with electronic case management/documentation systems and Microsoft Office.
Must successfully complete required background checks and agency training.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial engagement, needs assessments, and ongoing advocacy for survivors of domestic violence
Develop individualized safety plans and provide crisis intervention and emotional support.
Provide information regarding domestic violence, healthy relationships, available resources, and survivor rights.
Help survivors access emergency shelter, housing, food, transportation, healthcare, financial assistance, childcare, and other supportive services.
Provide advocacy and accompaniment, when appropriate, with law enforcement, courts, healthcare providers, schools, and other systems.
Make referrals and coordinate services with behavioral health, case management, legal assistance, and community-based providers.
Maintain regular communication and follow-up with participants to support service engagement and safety.
Document services, referrals, contacts, and outcomes accurately and in accordance with agency and funding requirements.
Participate in multidisciplinary case consultation, supervision, staff meetings, and required training.
Conduct community outreach and education to increase awareness of domestic violence services and available resources
Promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, healing-centered, and survivor-driven practices.
Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with applicable agency, contractual, and mandated reporting requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.