DV Advocate - DV Navigation Program

Metropolitan Family Services • Chicago, IL

9h • $44,000 - $48,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) is seeking a full-time DV Advocate to join their GBV Housing Navigation Program at the Calumet office. 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 services to survivors of gender-based violence and their children, offering support, advocacy, and assistance in achieving their goals. The organization has a long history, dating back to 1857, and focuses on making a positive impact on communities.

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 required.
• Experience working in an emergency shelter environment is required.
• 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

• Knowledge of community resources, advocacy and crisis intervention skills, and an understanding of trauma and Trauma-Informed Care is beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in social services and/or the field of gender-based violence preferred.
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural preferred and may be required for particular programs or sites.
• 40-hour Domestic Violence training preferred at time of hire.

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 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: Associate degree