DV Advocate

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do.

Metropolitan Family Services(MFS) 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 to join our Du Page Team!

SALARY: The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $44,000 to $48,000 annually.

Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

$1,000 Sign-On Bonus for first time employees with MFS! ($500 on the first paycheck and $500 after one year of employment)

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides 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/or referrals. Direct services provided to clients may be in-person, virtual, or by phone and may be conducted in
  individual, group, family, or communal settings.
• Assesses and effectively responds to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.
• In partnership with the client, develops and regularly reviews a service plan that describes the client’s goals 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 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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 highly beneficial, 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.
• 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, preferred.
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification, preferred.
• Schedule: 7AM - 3PM, 3PM - 11PM, or Night Shift 11PM-7AM, required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of community resources, advocacy and crisis intervention skills, and an understanding of trauma and Trauma-Informed Care is beneficial.
• Empathic,…