DV Advocate - DV Navigation Program

About the role

Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Since 1857, we have been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Affectively responds to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.
• Develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of MFS programs and community-based resources.
• Facilitates 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.
• Collaborates 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 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

• High School diploma or GED equivalent plus 4+ years’ work experience or associate’s degree plus 2+ year work experience, preferably in the field of gender-based violence or in a social service-related capacity required.
• Experience working in an emergency shelter environment is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in social services and/or the field of gender-based violence preferred.
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural preferred and may be required for particular programs or sites.
• 40-hour Domestic Violence training preferred at time of hire.

Benefits

Metropolitan Family Services offers a comprehensive benefits package including Aetna Medical Coverage, Guardian Dental Coverage, and VSP Vision Coverage. Contributions of $2,000 to individual and $4,000 to family HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date. Free General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members. Ascentus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility. And so much more!