Bilingual 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 (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 Senior Domestic Violence Court Advocate to join our Midway Court Advocacy Program housed at the Centralized Domestic Violence Court in Chicago!
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, legal advocacy, information, and/or 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, particularly within the criminal justice system. May facilitate linkages with services 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 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.
• 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.
• 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; etc.). Represents Metropolitan Family Services and the domestic violence program with a high degree of professionalism, an awareness of courtroom etiquette, and an understanding of the expectations of the criminal justice system.
• 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.
• May participate in quality improvement activities.
• Provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.
• Other duties may be assigned that are specific to the needs of the particular site or program where this position is based.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required: Associate’s degree plus 3 years’ experience or Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year experience, including experience in court advocacy and domestic violence survivor services.
• 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, strong organizational 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.
  SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel between sites within the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Must be able to accommodate flexibility in work schedule, which may include some variable evenings and/or weekends.
• Must be able to operate general office equipment and have basic computer knowledge.
• Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs.

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 30 pounds.

SALARY:

• Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $

Metropolitan Family Services offers a very generous benefits packet to our professionals:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, Traditional PPO, or PPO w/ HSA contributions.
• Dental and Vision Insurance Options
• 12 paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401K Plan
• Training and Professional Development Plan with E- Learning
• Wellness Initiative Program
• Employee Assistance Network

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)