Domestic Violence Advocate

Metropolitan Family Services • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) is seeking a full-time Bilingual Domestic Violence Advocate for its Southeast office. MFS is dedicated to empowering families to learn, earn, heal, and thrive, with a strong emphasis on community. This role involves providing direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and their children, acting as a mentor, motivator, and advocate. The position requires a commitment to making a positive impact beyond a company's bottom line.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent education and 4 years' work experience in social services and or domestic violence, required.
• Bilingual/Bicultural in Spanish/English, required.
• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and background checks.
• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.
• Travel between sites required.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree/bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services; with 2 years' work experience in domestic violence or social services, preferred.
• 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, preferred.
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification, preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field, preferred.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Recognizes domestic violence survivors as the experts of their own lives and partners with clients to identify and build upon their strengths.
• 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 timelines 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
• HSA accounts with employer contributions ($2,000 individual, $4,000 family, pro-rated)
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED