Intern Domestic Violence Court Advocate DuPage

Intern 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 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 205,000 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.

Essential Internship Functions

• Welcome individuals who enter the Family Shelter Services (FSS) office space.
• Aid in providing survivors accurate and appropriate information about the process for obtaining an order of protection (OOP).
• Aid in helping survivors complete relevant screening documents for service eligibility.
• Teach survivors how to navigate through the courthouse.
• Provide emotional support, modeling trauma-informed care.
• Aid in helping survivors complete OP petitions (depending on length of time interning).
• Link survivors with other resources and referrals both inside and outside of FSS.
• Aid in preparing proper documentation for client files.
• Represent FSS in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Ensure confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other duties as negotiated.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is preferred, but an associate's degree may be considered if it aligns with the program/school requirements.
• Must complete a minimum of 300 hours.
• Must complete at least 2 full days (16 hours/week) Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm.

Additional Requirements

• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screening and criminal background checks.
• Must have access to a vehicle, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Sit and stand for sustained periods of time.
• Frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle, and operate objects or controls.
• Bend, stretch, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, transcribe, and view a computer terminal.
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.