Sr. DV Advocate

Metropolitan Family Services • Westmont, IL

12d

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services is hiring a full-time Senior DV Advocate for its DuPage Team. The role provides direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or their children, using short-term, strengths-based interventions. Services may be delivered in person, virtually, or by phone, and in individual, group, family, or communal settings.

This position is part of a 24-hour program and requires scheduling flexibility to support continuous coverage. Shifts may vary according to program needs, with scheduling typically structured as five 8-hour shifts per week, including one weekend day. Holidays are included in scheduling needs. Possible shifts are 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.

The average annual salary is $47,000–$52,000, with compensation based on related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. First-time MFS employees are eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus, paid as $500 on the first paycheck and $500 after one year of employment. The role requires driving for work using a personally owned vehicle; travel between sites is not required. The employee reports to the Program Supervisor for specified training-site renewal assistance, but the posting does not explicitly identify the position’s direct reporting relationship.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 4 or more years of work experience, or an associate degree and 2 or more years of work experience; the posting also specifies an associate degree and 3 or more years of experience, or a bachelor’s degree and 1 or more years of experience, including domestic violence survivor services and other services appropriate to the role.
• Experience working in an emergency shelter environment is required by the posting.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including variable evenings and/or weekends; program scheduling also includes holidays.
• Ability to operate general office equipment and basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to respond appropriately in varied situations and function with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work and problem-solve independently and collaboratively, demonstrating professionalism, flexibility, and mature judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and effectiveness working with diverse populations.
• Satisfactorily pass relevant screenings and criminal background checks.
• Drive for work using a personally owned vehicle.
• Meet the physical demands of sustained sitting and standing; frequent talking, hearing, and use of hands and fingers; occasional bending, stretching, stooping, kneeling, and crouching; and close visual acuity for data, figures, transcription, and computer-terminal work.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in gender-based violence or social services.
• Knowledge of community resources, advocacy, crisis intervention, trauma, and Trauma-Informed Care.
• Empathic, non-judgmental, service-oriented approach with clients; recognizes survivors as experts in their own lives and partners with them to build on their strengths.
• Self-awareness, insight, commitment to professional growth, healthy boundaries, and good self-care.
• 40-hour Domestic Violence training preferred at hire; it must be completed at the first opportunity after hire and before contact with domestic violence program clients or their personally identifying information.
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification.
• Bilingual/bicultural skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 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 referrals.
• Assess and respond to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.
• Develop and regularly review service plans with clients, documenting their goals and tracking progress.
• Maintain knowledge of MFS programs and community-based resources, and facilitate connections to services within MFS and in the community when appropriate.
• Administer required assessments and outcome tools at designated intervals.
• Attend mandatory group supervision and program or agency meetings.
• Collaborate with departmental staff and other programs to provide comprehensive services.
• Complete case notes and other client-file documentation in a timely manner.
• Meet contract, grant, and program expectations, including timelines and reporting requirements.
• Stay informed about developments in domestic violence services and attend appropriate workshops, conferences, and other professional development activities.
• Establish and maintain contact with local agencies, organizations, and partner sites as appropriate, and represent MFS and the domestic violence program professionally in the community.
• Provide services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.
• Assist the Program Supervisor in compiling and submitting information for biannual IL Certified Domestic Violence Professionals Training, Supervision, and CEU-Granting Site status renewals.
• Perform other duties assigned or specific to the needs of the site or program.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Employer contributions to HSA accounts: $2,000 for individual coverage and $4,000 for family coverage, prorated to benefits start date
• Free Teladoc general medicine and behavioral health services for all team members
• Ascensus 401(k) plan with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on the first day of eligibility
• $1,000 sign-on bonus for first-time MFS employees, paid $500 on the first paycheck and $500 after one year of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level