STREET OUTREACH ADVOCATE

A Safe Place•North Chicago, IL

16h•$24 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Street Outreach Advocate provides trauma-informed, community-based services to youth, families, and community members impacted by firearm violence in North Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois. This role engages individuals at the highest risk of violence involvement, mediates conflicts to prevent retaliation, and responds to critical incidents as a frontline part of A Safe Place's violence prevention mission. The Advocate carries a caseload of up to 15 participants, delivers psychoeducation, and maintains accurate documentation in compliance with grant reporting requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in victim services, community outreach, crisis intervention, case management, or advocacy; demonstrated ability to respond to acts of violence through an on-call component
Bilingual in Spanish required
Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles, domestic violence dynamics, and survivor challenges
Knowledge of mandated reporting and HIPAA
Proficiency in Microsoft 365; familiarity with client database or EHR systems
Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and active auto insurance required
Candidates must reside within a 30-mile commuting radius of Lake County, IL or be able to relocate prior to start date; this role is fully on-site

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in additional languages is a plus
Experience with IDHS, violence prevention, or related grant compliance
Familiarity with electronic medical records, HMIS, or agency-specific reporting tools
Experience with restorative justice practices or peace-building programming
Are energized by community-based, relationship-driven work and not deterred by field environments or unpredictable schedules
Have strong conflict mediation skills and the composure to respond calmly in high-stress or volatile situations
Are deeply committed to racial equity, cultural responsiveness, and centering the voices of those most impacted by violence
Can balance direct crisis response with accurate, timely documentation and grant reporting
Thrive in a collaborative team environment while working with independence in the field

Responsibilities

Engage individuals and groups at the highest risk of violence involvement within designated community areas
Conduct outreach in varied settings, including parks, homes, street locations, schools, hospitals, and community centers
Maintain a caseload of up to 15 participants
Build and sustain resource partnerships and referral networks to promote community stability
Respond to critical incidents, including fatal and non-fatal shootings, to de-escalate tension and prevent retaliatory violence
Participate in on-call crisis response, including in-person response and required incident documentation
Provide immediate hospital-based support and advocacy for individuals impacted by violence
Mediate and resolve conflicts within designated community areas
Conduct client assessments and develop case plans addressing identified needs
Provide trauma-informed support to victims, families, and community members
Deliver violence prevention psychoeducation to youth, families, and community members
Make referrals to non-emergency services and community supports to promote client stability
Track outreach activities, engagements, and services through required logs
Enter timely and accurate case notes and program data for grant reporting
Assist with grant-related documentation, metrics tracking, audits, and required reporting
Complete all required training and technical assistance associated with grant-funded programming
Support Victim Advocates and Case Managers through service guidance and documentation support
Participate in peace-building activities including restorative justice practices, peace circles, and community events
Engage with community partners and attend community meetings and initiatives
Attend required department meetings, staff meetings, client reviews, and training sessions