Domestic Violence Advocate

Job Overview
The Domestic Violence Advocate plays a crucial role in supporting individuals and families affected by domestic violence. This position involves providing crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to survivors while advocating for their rights and needs. The advocate will work closely with various community organizations and legal entities to ensure that clients receive comprehensive assistance tailored to their unique situations.

This is a permanent part-time position designated for 20-25 hours per week.

Direct Service Responsibilities

• Provide voluntary, non-discriminatory, ethical, and accessible services for all clients. Work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive manner while appreciating the unique contributions of individuals from varied culture, race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
• Provide crisis line response.
• Document direct service to clients and maintain client records in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provide domestic abuse support and education to clients and others who contact the agency.
• Provide information and referrals.
• Provide explanation of shelter policies.
• Act as a liaison between HOPE of Ogle County and hospital/medical systems.
• Provide life skills activities and a variety of adult, child, and family activities for clients as needed.
• Enter and orient current shelter clients.
• Provide transportation in accordance with HOPE’s Personnel Policies to assist clients with access to resources.

Staff Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of all clients and uphold duties as a mandated reporter of child abuse.
• Participate in continuing education, training, and follow developments in the field of domestic violence. (a minimum of 2 hours per month).
• Participate in advocate meetings, staff meetings, case management, and in-service trainings.
• Provide training of staff and volunteers for 40-hour domestic violence training.
• Provide time sheet documentation, PAR, and daily logs for all funding sources related to the position.
• Maintain an understanding of HOPE of Ogle County Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain the condition of the shelter, including, but not limited to, cleaning after a client exits shelter, picking up toys in the yard, cleaning appliances, and sorting through donations.
• Work on holidays, fill advocate shifts during vacations, absences, and emergency absences as requested.
• Notify the Shelter Coordinator of changes to the schedule in a timely manner, one month in advance for vacation time and within a timely manner when due to illness.
• Must be accessible by phone to respond to emergency call off coverage.
• Effectively communicate client case information to other staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Coordinator and/or the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• High School Education or related experience required.
• Entry level experience with crisis services preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to set limits and priorities.
• Ability to work flexible evening and weekend hours.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and an ability to learn other Microsoft features.

Requirements

• Willingness to submit to a LEADS Criminal Background Check with specifications and a CANTS (DCFS) background check.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA).
• Completion of (or willingness to complete) the 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training.
• Ability to drive a car and maintain auto insurance.
• Ability to use a computer, standard phone equipment, and electronic office equipment.

This position is ideal for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of those impacted by domestic violence while fostering a safe environment for families.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.13 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Every weekend
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• On call
• Overnight shift

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Rochelle, IL 61068 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18