Emergency Residential Shelter Advocate, 1st Shift (Sunday-Thursday)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY – Lake County, IL (On-Site Role)

EMERGENCY RESIDENTIAL SHELTER ADVOCATE (BILINGUAL PREFERRED)

A Safe Place - Waukegan, IL

Crisis Response | Shelter Operations | Survivor Advocacy

Sunday through Thursday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Must have a reliable vehicle with active auto insurance.

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Location Requirement

Candidates must reside within a 30-mile commuting radius of Lake County, Illinois, or be able to relocate prior to the start date.

This role is fully on-site and does not support remote work or relocation assistance.

Candidates must be able to reliably commute to assigned work locations to meet the scheduling and operational needs of the role.

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About Us

For more than 46 years, A Safe Place has provided safety, advocacy, and healing for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. We are a trusted refuge in Lake County, empowering families to rebuild their lives through shelter, counseling, and holistic support services.

Position Summary:

The Emergency Residential Shelter Family Advocate will provide immediate support and advocacy to survivors in our emergency shelter. You’ll ensure their safety, empower their independence, and foster a compassionate and secure environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop safety plans and manage cases to provide comprehensive client support.
• Offer crisis counseling, advocacy, and connections to community resources.
• Assist with legal referrals, DHS benefits, and education on domestic violence laws.
• Manage shelter operations, engage in community building, and handle donations.
• Conduct client evaluations and maintain accurate records.
• Mentor volunteers, build local agency relationships, and provide post-shelter support.
• Maintain timely, accurate case notes and reports in accordance with agency and grant requirements.
• Uphold confidentiality and trauma-informed care practices in all interactions.
• Provide education on domestic-violence laws, victim rights, and available resources to promote awareness and safety.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and team initiatives to support collaboration and professional growth.
• Perform additional program or organizational duties as assigned to advance agency goals and service delivery.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field (and/or equivalent work experience).
• At least 2–3 years of experience in case management, advocacy, or human services (internship/practicum accepted)

Experience:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English fluency preferred
• Extensive experience in crisis intervention, case management, or advocacy.
• Strong understanding of domestic violence, trauma-informed care, and case management best practices.
• Deep empathy and professionalism when supporting survivors through transition.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and boundary-setting skills.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Sound judgment and emotional resilience in fast-paced, crisis-oriented environments.
• Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and allyship for diverse survivor experiences, including LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities.
• Exceptional organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to accountability, continuous learning, and A Safe Place’s mission of empowerment, dignity, equity, and fostering a violence-free society.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with electronic case management or medical record systems (a plus).

Employment Details

• Schedule: Full-time, Sunday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Travel: Required within Lake County, IL
• Direct Service Commitment: Approximately 70% of work hours are dedicated to direct client service (e.g., case management, advocacy, and client engagement).
• Additional Requirement: Commitment to 2–4-hour shifts for holiday shelter coverage, as needed.
• Physical Requirements: O ccasional lifting up to 20 pounds, navigating stairs, and moving between program facilities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

Compensation

• Pay Range: $20 - $25 hourly; based on grant funding, skills, experience, and expertise.
• Pay Schedule: Bi-weekly (26 pay periods annually).

Travel & Mileage

Local travel may be required for meetings, training sessions, or community collaborations.

Mileage reimbursement is provided in accordance with organizational policy and calculated from the employee’s primary work assignment location.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package, which may include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plans; paid time off; holidays; and employee assistance programs, in accordance with agency policy.

Probationary Period

All employees are subject to a ninety (90)-day introductory period beginning on the first day of employment.

Employment At-Will Statement

Employment with the agency is at-will. This means that either the employee or the agency may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Non-Discrimination Statement

The agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.