DV Advocate - GBV RRH Program

Metropolitan Family Services • Chicago, IL

3d • $44,000 - $48,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) is seeking a full-time DV Advocate for the Gender Based Violence Rapid Rehousing Program at their Calumet Center. MFS is an organization dedicated to empowering families to learn, earn, heal, and thrive, with a strong emphasis on community. This role involves providing direct support services to survivors of gender-based violence and their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, advocacy, and life skills development. Services can be delivered in-person, virtually, or by phone, and in various settings. The advocate will assess client needs, develop and review housing service plans, maintain knowledge of MFS programs and community resources, and administer assessments. The position requires collaboration with team members and other programs to ensure comprehensive client services, timely completion of documentation, and adherence to contract and grant expectations. The advocate must stay informed about developments in domestic violence, attend relevant workshops, and represent MFS professionally in the community. Responsibilities also include addressing housing-related issues, providing linkages to support services, recording family progress, handling emergencies, and adhering to ethical codes.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent plus 4 years’ work experience or associate’s degree plus 2 years’ work experience, preferably in the field of gender-based violence or a social services-related capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and background checks.
• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.
• Travel between sites required.

Nice To Haves

• 40-hour Domestic Violence training preferred at time of hire.
• Experience in social services and/or the field of gender-based violence preferred.
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification preferred.
• Bilingual/Spanish preferred.

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.
• 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 housing 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 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.
• Addresses housing related issues including lease.
• 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