House Advocate

WINGS Program is looking for a driven, empathetic multitasker for our House Advocate position

Established in 1985 as a nonprofit advocate for homeless women and children, we have expanded to become one of the largest domestic violence service and housing providers in Illinois. Today, single individuals (women/men/transgender) and their children can receive temporary safe shelter through WINGS housing, while our staff provides one-on-one, individualized assistance in setting personal goals that will enable them to work, continue their education, and care for themselves and their children. Simply put, we provide a pathway to independence for people whose lives have been disrupted by domestic violence.

Objective: To maintain the smooth operation of the Safe House and Crisis Line, and support clients as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

· Operate the Crisis Line by providing crisis intervention, counseling, education, safety planning, and referrals to callers.

· Conduct and approve intake and eligibility evaluations to determine guest’s needs and appropriateness for services at the Safe House.

· Interact with guests in the community areas of the house and role model social skills, conflict resolution, parenting and other skills of daily living (this may include time management, self-care, conflict and stress management, parenting, budgeting and others).

· Supervise and coordinate activities related to house policies and chores.

· Identify guest needs and communicate these needs to the responsible staff member to secure donations and services.

· Ensure building is safe and secure, reporting any concerns to appropriate personnel.

· Maintain timely, accurate records including up-to-date client files, statistics report, and census.

· Update daily roster and shift reports.

· Assist with meals and mealtime during the shift.

· Assist in processing and storing donations as requested.

· Attend and participate in supervision, weekly group meetings, and other meetings as required.

· Conduct, attend, and participate in appropriate training and education.

· Immediately report child abuse to Department of Children and Family Services as mandated by law and in accordance with agency procedures.

· Work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

· Associates degree in social service, counseling, or closely related field, or equivalent job experience required.

· 40-hour domestic violence training and CPR/First Aid preferred.

· ICDVP credential preferred.

· Food Safety and Sanitation Certification preferred.

· Bilingual skills (Spanish, Polish, or Russian) preferred.

· Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.

· Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

· Possess the ability to work efficiently and independently and be highly organized with attention to detail along with strong project management, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

· Skilled in working with sensitive issues and in maintaining professional boundaries with clients.

· Must demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, good judgment, and commitment to teamwork.

· Ability to handle physical requirements to accomplish daily responsibilities, including but not limited to lifting up to 35 pounds using both hands/arms on a regular basis, and occasionally standing for extended periods.

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