DV 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 (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 122,900 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 a full-time DV Advocate to join our Team at DuPage! 

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: 

• Required: High School diploma or GED equivalent plus 4 years’ work experience or Associate’s degree plus 2 years’ work experience, preferably in the field of gender-based violence or a social services-related capacity.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field. Experience in social services and/or the field of gender-based violence preferred. Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification preferred.
• 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.
• Knowledge of community resources, advocacy and crisis intervention skills, and an understanding of trauma and Trauma-Informed Care is beneficial.
• Empathic, non-judgmental, service-oriented attitude in work with clients. Recognizes domestic violence survivors as the experts of their own lives and partners with clients to identify and build upon their strengths.
• 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. Models healthy boundaries and good self-care with clients and coworkers.
• 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 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 $42,000 to $48,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of IL Medical Coverage options that support all levels of staff (including Part-Time): HMO, PPO, and HSA (PPO)
• ZERO: A free benefit for BCBS PPO members that helps find the least expensive option for medical services.
• MFS will contribute $2,000 to individual and $4,000 to family HSA Accounts through our HSA coverage, all front-loaded at the start of the year, or the start of your HSA enrollment.
• Teladoc services provided to all employees: A no-cost benefit providing general medicine and behavioral health services, no insurance necessary.
• Dental HMO and PPO options through Guardian Dental.
• VSP vision insurance with one of the largest networks in the Chicago-land area.
• Company-paid individual life insurance policy of $100,000, with a wide range of additional, employee-cost options.
• Company-paid individual Short Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance.
• Five Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options ranging from Health to Transit. Contribute your pre-tax dollars where you need them the most.
• Ascensus 401K Plan with up to a 4% Match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.
• 12 paid Holidays.
• Starting with 15 days of PTO, maxing at 30 days after 3 years of service.
• Training and Professional Development Plan with E- Learning.
• Pet Insurance options for your furry (or non-furry) friends.
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free Will preparation services.
• On-staff notary available to employees.
• ALEX, AI-powered assistance that will make your benefit decisions seamless.

Salary : $42,000 - $48,000