Evening Advocate

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do.

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. We are now hiring for a full-time DV Advocate with the GBV Housing Navigation Program to join our Calumet office.

The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $46,000 and $51,500 annually. 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. Assesses and effectively responds to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.

In partnership with the client, develops a service plan that describes the client’s needs 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.

Works within contract, grant, and program expectations, including meeting timelines and reporting requirements.

Remains cognizant of current developments in the field of domestic violence. 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.

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.

Knowledge of community resources, advocacy and crisis intervention skills, and an understanding of trauma and Trauma-Informed Care is beneficial.

Recognizes domestic violence survivors as the experts of their own lives and partners with clients to identify and build upon their strengths.

Additional skills may be required specific to the particular program or site where this position is based.

Must be able to accommodate flexibility in work schedule, which may include some variable evenings and/or weekends.

Must be able to operate general office equipment and have basic computer knowledge.

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.
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. This training is required at first opportunity upon hire and must be completed prior to any contact with DV program clients or their personally identifying information.

TRANSPORTATION / TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travel between sites required.

The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and viewing a computer terminal.

Aetna Medical Coverage, Guardian Dental Coverage, and VSP Vision Coverage.

Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual and $4,000 to family HSA accounts, pro‑rated to your benefits start date.

Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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