Intern DV Advocacy and Support

Essential Job Functions

• Assists with direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, advocacy, life skills development, parenting support, information, and/or referrals.
• Affectively responds in a culturally sensitive way to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.
• Develops and regularly reviews a 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.
• Assists DV Program Supervisor with variable administrative duties, which may include staff training and support; development and maintenance of shift schedules, data collection and reporting, and back-up for Program Supervisor or other staff as needed.
• Assists with consultation to other staff as needed and assumes a leadership role in fostering positive working relationships with community partners.
• Learns and assesses any required assessments and outcome tools at their designated intervals.
• 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.
• Provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Master's level program in Social Work or related field, required.
• Preferred Bilingual Spanish.
• Requires car to work with a community-based caseload and services.
• Ability to maintain assigned community and home-based services.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups in a culturally sensitive modality.