Emergency Shelter Family Advocate, 1st Shift Grant Funded

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Location & Eligibility Requirements

• This position is based in Lake County, Illinois (not Cook County).
• Candidates must reside within 20 miles of Waukegan, IL, to ensure timely response and in-person collaboration.
• On-site work is required; this is not a remote role.
• Bilingual Spanish and English fluency is required. Applicants without demonstrated proficiency will not be considered.
• Grant-Funded Position Notice. Employment is contingent upon continued grant funding.
• Transportation: Must have a reliable vehicle with active auto insurance.

For more than 46 years, A Safe Place has provided safety, advocacy, and healing for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. We are a trusted refuge in Lake County, empowering families to rebuild their lives through shelter, counseling, and holistic support services.

Position Title: Emergency Residential Shelter Family Advocate - 1st Shift (Sunday - Thursday)

The Emergency Residential Shelter Family Advocate will provide immediate support and advocacy to survivors in our emergency shelter. You’ll ensure their safety, empower their independence, and foster a compassionate and secure environment.

• Develop safety plans and manage cases to provide comprehensive client support.
• Offer crisis counseling, advocacy, and connections to community resources.
• Assist with legal referrals, DHS benefits, and education on domestic violence laws.
• Manage shelter operations, engage in community building, and handle donations.
• Conduct client evaluations and maintain accurate records.
• Mentor volunteers, build local agency relationships, and provide post-shelter support.
• Maintain timely, accurate case notes and reports in accordance with agency and grant requirements.
• Uphold confidentiality and trauma-informed care practices in all interactions.
• Provide education on domestic-violence laws, victim rights, and available resources to promote awareness and safety.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and team initiatives to support collaboration and professional growth.
• Perform additional program or organizational duties as assigned to advance agency goals and service delivery.

You are compassionate, organized, and mission-driven. You understand that healing begins with safety and empowerment.

• Extensive experience in crisis intervention, case management, or advocacy.
• Strong understanding of domestic violence, trauma-informed care, and case management best practices.
• Deep empathy and professionalism when supporting survivors through transition.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and boundary-setting skills.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Sound judgment and emotional resilience in fast-paced, crisis-oriented environments.
• Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and allyship for diverse survivor experiences, including LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities.
• Exceptional organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to accountability, continuous learning, and A Safe Place’s mission of empowerment, dignity, equity, and fostering a violence‑free society.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with electronic case management or medical record systems (a plus).

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field (and/or equivalent work experience).
• At least 2–3 years of experience in case management, advocacy, or human services (internship/practicum accepted).
• Bilingual in Spanish and English fluency preferred.
• Completion of the 40‑hour Domestic Violence Training (required; may be obtained upon hire).

• Schedule: Full-time, Sunday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Reports To: Associate Director of Housing
• Travel: Required within Lake County, IL
• Direct Service Commitment: Approximately 70% of work hours are dedicated to direct client service (e.g., case management, advocacy, and client engagement).
• Additional Requirement: Commitment to 2–4‑hour shifts for holiday shelter coverage, as needed.
• Physical Requirements: Occasional lifting up to 20…