DV Advocate - DV Navigation Program

Metropolitan Family Services • Chicago, IL

16h • Onsite

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services fosters a culture of community, both internally and through its services. Since 1857, the organization has empowered families to learn, earn, heal, and thrive, acting as a mentor, motivator, and advocate to help them reach their potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan Family Services is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency, serving over 122,970 individuals and families across Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County, providing services that promote education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment. The organization is hiring a full-time DV Advocate for the GBV Housing Navigation Program to join its Calumet office.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent plus 4+ years’ work experience or associate’s degree plus 2+ year work experience, preferably in the field of gender-based violence or in a social service-related capacity.
• Experience working in an emergency shelter environment.
• 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.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate understanding and effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
• 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.
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
• Experience in social services and/or the field of gender-based violence.
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification.
• Bilingual/bicultural (may be required for particular programs or sites).
• 40-hour Domestic Violence training (preferred at time of hire, required at first opportunity upon hire and must be completed prior to any contact with DV program clients or their personally identifying information).

Responsibilities

• Provides direct housing support services to survivors of gender-based violence 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 will be in-person.
• Assesses and effectively responds to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.
• In partnership with the client, develops a service plan that describes the client’s needs 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 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 linkages to support services including transportation, childcare assistance, clothing and uniform assistance.
• Records family progress in Infonet and case files.
• Handles emergency and crisis situations with clients.
• Provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.
• Other duties specific to the needs of the particular site or program where this position is based.

Benefits

• Aetna Medical Coverage
• Guardian Dental Coverage
• VSP 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees