Street Outreach Advocate

Description Department:
Youth Services

Reports To:

Director of Youth Services

Location:

North Chicago, IL | Multi-site (Lake County)

Employment Type:

Regular Full Time;
Hourly

Schedule:

Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | On-call crisis response required, including 24/7 availability for shooting incident notifications Compensation: $24.04 - $32.69 hourly (Pay Grade PG06) | Salary commensurate with experience. About Us

A Safe Place has served as Lake County's leading advocate for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are committed to safety, dignity, and long‑term healing for individuals and families impacted by violence.

Every role here matters. Whether you work directly with survivors or support the systems behind the scenes, you are part of a trauma‑informed organization building pathways to safety and independence.

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.

• 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

• 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…