DV Advocate - GBV RRH Program

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 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 with the Gender Based Violence Rapid Rehousing Program to join our Calumet Team!
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides direct housing support services to survivors of gender based violence 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 housing 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.
• Addresses housing related issues including lease.
• Provides linkages to support services including transportation, childcare assistance, clothing and uniform assistance.
• Records family progress in Infonet and case files.
• Handles emergency and crisis situations with clients.
• 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.
• Preferred : Bi-lingual/Spanish
• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel 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.

SALARY:

• Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $46,955

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)
• Parental Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• 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)