Domestic Violence Specialist (Hotline-Shelter)

Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) 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 now hiring for an hourly Domestic Violence Specialist for our Hotline to join our team at DuPage! 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• May provide direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and their children, such as crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, life skills, advocacy, parenting support, information, and/or referrals. Direct services provided to clients may be in-person, virtual, or by phone and in individual or group settings.
• May distribute written materials and/or conduct community-based presentations about domestic violence and available services to increase awareness.
• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of MFS and community-based resources. May facilitate linkages with programs both within MFS and in the community.
• Attends any mandatory group supervision and program/agency meetings.
• Participates in a team-oriented approach by collaborating with other programs and departmental staff to provide comprehensive services for clients.
• Completes paperwork in a timely manner, including case notes and other documentation needed for a client’s file.
• Supports data collection related to direct services and community-based outreach efforts.
• 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: 

• Required: High School diploma or GED equivalent plus 3 years’ work experience or Associate’s degree plus 1 year work experience, preferably in a social services-related capacity.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.
• Training: 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.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of community resources is beneficial.
• Interest in domestic violence prevention/intervention and in continued growth within the field.
• Ability to respond appropriately in varied situations and to function with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work and problem-solve both independently and collaboratively within a team environment, demonstrating professionalism, flexibility, and mature judgment.
• Must demonstrate self-awareness, insight, and commitment to ongoing professional growth, plus a high level of empathy and sensitivity to clients’ trauma/experiences.
• Bilingual/bicultural preferred, and may be required for particular programs or sites.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate understanding and effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
• Additional skills may be required that are specific to the particular program or site where this position is based.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch.
• The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing and viewing a computer terminal.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

SALARY:

• The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $16.20 to $18.20 hourly. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

Salary : $16 - $18