Domestic Violence Court Advocate

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. Metropolitan is Illinois’ first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 117,000 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.

We are hiring to join our Family Shelter Service of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage Team.

• The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $44,000 to $48,000 annually. Placement within this range will be based on skill and experience level.

• Provides direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, legal advocacy, information, and referrals.
• Assists clients in preparing petitions for Orders of Protection; accompanies them throughout the court process; prepares orders for the judge; provides education about domestic violence and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA).
• Develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of MFS programs and community-based resources, especially within the criminal justice system, and may facilitate linkages with services both within MFS and in the community.
• Assists in training program staff, volunteers, and/or interns; conducts public education presentations, police trainings, or other educational offerings related to court advocacy services.
• Administers any required outcome tools at their designated intervals.
• Attends mandatory group supervision and program/agency meetings.
• Collaborates with departmental staff and other programs to provide comprehensive services for clients.
• Completes paperwork in a timely manner, including intakes, case notes and other documentation needed for a client’s file.
• Works within contract, grant, and program expectations, including meeting timelines and reporting requirements, and provides accurate statistical information for program grants.
• Stays current on developments in the domestic violence field by attending appropriate workshops, conferences, and other professional development activities.
• Works closely with and advocates on behalf of clients with other agencies and the legal system (e.g., State’s Attorneys, Legal Aid, DCFS, police and sheriff’s departments, private attorneys, investigators).
• Provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.
• May perform other specialized duties as assigned, which may be specific to the needs of the particular site or program where this position is based.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associate’s degree plus two years’ work experience, preferably in gender-based violence or a criminal justice-related capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field, with experience in the legal system or gender-based violence preferred.
• Experience in legal systems and concepts, Orders of Protection, social services, and/or the field of gender-based violence strongly preferred and highly beneficial.
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification preferred.
• 40‑hour Domestic Violence training preferred at time of hire; this training is required at the first opportunity upon hire and must be completed prior to any contact with DV program clients or their personally identifying information.

• Knowledge of community resources, advocacy and crisis intervention skills, and an understanding of trauma and trauma-informed care.
• Strong advocate for survivors within the criminal justice system.
• Empathic, non-judgmental, service-oriented attitude in work with clients, recognizing survivors as the experts of their own lives and partnering with clients to identify and implement interventions that…