Domestic Violence Advocate (Shelter & Hotline)

Metropolitan Family Services • Wheaton, IL

21h • $44,000 - $48,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) fosters a culture of community, empowering families to learn, earn, heal, and thrive since 1857. As an engine of change, MFS helps families reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. The organization is hiring a full-time Domestic Violence Advocate for its DuPage team. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to support survivors and contribute to a compassionate, mission-driven program. The ideal candidate is passionate about advocacy, crisis support, and making a direct impact in the community. This position is part of a 24-hour program, requiring flexibility in scheduling to ensure continuous coverage. While shift assignments may vary based on program needs, consistent scheduling is typically offered, structured as a five-day, 8-hour workweek, including one weekend day and holidays.

Requirements

• Knowledge of community resources, advocacy and crisis intervention skills, and an understanding of trauma and Trauma-Informed Care.
• Empathic, non-judgmental, service-oriented attitude in work with clients.
• Recognizes domestic violence survivors as the experts of their own lives and partners with clients to identify and build upon their strengths.
• Ability to respond appropriately in varied situations and to function with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work and problem-solve both independently and collaboratively within a team environment, demonstrating professionalism, flexibility, and mature judgment.
• Must demonstrate self-awareness, insight, and commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• Models healthy boundaries and good self-care with clients and coworkers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate understanding and effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
• Ability to accommodate flexibility in work schedule, which may include some variable evenings and/or weekends.
• Ability to operate general office equipment and have basic computer knowledge.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent plus 4+ years’ work experience, preferably in the field of gender-based violence or in a social service-related capacity.
• OR Associate’s degree plus 2+ year work experience, preferably in the field of gender-based violence or in a social service-related capacity.
• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and criminal background checks.
• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.
• Travel between sites required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in an emergency shelter environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
• 40-hour Domestic Violence training (required at first opportunity upon hire and must be completed prior to any contact with DV program clients or their personally identifying information).
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, advocacy, life skills development, parenting support, information, and/or referrals.
• Direct services provided to clients may be in-person, virtual, or by phone and may be conducted in individual, group, family, or communal settings.
• Assesses and effectively responds to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.
• In partnership with the client, develops and regularly reviews a service plan that describes the client’s goals while receiving services and tracks their progress in the achievement of those goals.
• Develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of MFS programs and community-based resources.
• May facilitate linkages with services both within MFS and in the community.
• Administers any required assessments and outcome tools at their designated intervals.
• Attends any mandatory group supervision and program/agency meetings.
• Participates in a team-oriented approach by collaborating with departmental staff and other programs to provide comprehensive services for clients.
• Completes paperwork in a timely manner, including case notes and other documentation needed for a client’s file.
• Works within contract, grant, and program expectations, including meeting timeline and reporting requirements.
• Remains cognizant of current developments in the field of domestic violence.
• Attends appropriate workshops, conferences, etc. to enhance professional development and understanding of issues in the field.
• Establishes and maintains contact with local agencies, organizations, and partnering sites as appropriate; effectively and professionally represents Metropolitan Family Services and the domestic violence program in the community.
• Provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.
• $1,000 Sign-on Bonus for first time employees with MFS! ($500 on the first paycheck and $500 after one year of employment).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees