Senior Domestic Violence Advocate (Shelter & Hotline)

Metropolitan Family Services • Wheaton, IL

16d • $44,000 - $50,000

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 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 full- time Senior DV Advocates to join our Family Shelter Service team at our DuPage office. 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, strong organizational skills, and demonstrate understanding and effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
• Ability to interact appropriately and effectively with diverse individuals, groups and staff.
• 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.
• Associate’s degree and 3+ years' experience, including experience in domestic violence survivor services and other services as appropriate to the specific role required. OR bachelor’s degree and 1+ years' experience, including experience in domestic violence survivor services and other services as appropriate to the specific role required.
• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.
• Travel between sites required.
• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and criminal background checks.

Nice To Haves

• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification 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.
• Bilingual/bicultural 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.
• Assists DV Program Supervisor with variable administrative duties, which may include staff training and support; development and maintenance of shift schedules, data collection and reporting, and back-up for Program Supervisor or other staff as needed.
• Provides consultation to other staff as needed and assumes a leadership role in fostering positive working relationships with community partners.
• Administers any required assessments and outcome tools at their designated intervals.
• Attends any mandatory group supervision and program/agency meetings.
• May facilitate team meetings in the absence of the DV Program Supervisor.
• 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.
• Assists the Program Supervisor in compiling and submitting information for the biannual IL Certified Domestic Violence Professionals (CDVP) Training, Supervision, and CEU-Granting Site status renewals.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage, Guardian Dental Coverage, and 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.
• $1,000 Sign-on Bonus for first time employees with MFS for staff hired for overnight shifts! ($500 on the first paycheck and $500 after one year of employment).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree