DV Advocate - DV Program

Overview

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 a full-time DV Advocate with the DV Housing Program to join our Calumet office.

Salary: The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $42,000 and $48,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

• 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. Direct services provided to clients will be in-person.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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. 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.

• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and criminal background checks.

• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle. Travel between sites and client homes required.

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and…