DV Advocate - GBV RRH Program

About the role

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Since 1857, MFS has 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.
• Affords short-term, strengths-based interventions to clients seeking supportive services.
• Develops and regularly reviews a housing service plan for clients, tracking their progress towards achieving their goals.
• Maintains a strong working knowledge of MFS programs and community-based resources, facilitating linkages with services both within MFS and in the community.
• Administers required assessments and outcome tools at designated intervals.
• Attends 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, meeting timelines and reporting requirements.
• Remains cognizant of current developments in the field of domestic violence, attending 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, representing 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, and provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals' code of ethics.

Qualifications

• Training: 40-hour Domestic Violence training preferred at time of hire.
• 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.
• 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.
• Bilingual/Spanish preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and background checks.
• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle. Travel between sites required.

Benefits

Metropolitan Family Services offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage, Guardian Dental Coverage, VSP Vision Coverage, contributions to individual and family HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date, FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services, and a 401K plan with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility. For more details, please click here!