Domestic Violence Advocate (Shelter & Hotline)

Metropolitan Family Services • Wheaton, IL

2d

About The Position

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do. Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Are you looking to have an impact on more than just a company’s bottom line? Then we’d love to hear from you! We are now hiring for a full-time DV Advocate to join our team at DuPage ! This is a meaningful opportunity to support survivors and be part of a compassionate, mission-driven program. If you are passionate about advocacy, crisis support, and making a direct impact in your community, we encourage you to apply. This role is part of a 24-hour program, and flexibility in scheduling is required to ensure continuous coverage. While shift assignments may vary based on program needs, the organization makes every effort to offer consistent scheduling, typically structured as a five-day 8-hour shifts workweek including one weekend day. Scheduling needs will include holidays. Shifts may include: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.

Requirements

• Knowledge of community resources, advocacy and crisis intervention skills, and an understanding of trauma and Trauma-Informed Care is beneficial.
• 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.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate understanding and effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
• Additional skills may be required specific to the particular program or site where this position is based.
• Must be able to accommodate flexibility in work schedule, which may include some variable evenings and/or weekends.
• Must be able 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 required.
• OR associate’s degree plus 2+ year work experience, preferably in the field of gender-based violence or in a social service-related capacity required.
• 40-hour Domestic Violence training preferred at time of hire. This training is required at first opportunity upon hire and must be completed prior to any contact with DV program clients or their personally identifying information.
• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and criminal background checks.
• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.
• Travel between sites required.
• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle, and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch.
• The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and viewing a computer terminal.
• Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in an emergency shelter environment is highly beneficial and preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification preferred.

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, and 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED