**Metropolitan Family Services** empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) 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 117,000 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.

We are now hiring for a full-time **DV Advocate** **to join our Team at **DuPage**

**ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS**:

- Provides 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. Direct services provided to clients may be in-person, virtual, or by phone and may be conducted in individual, group, family, or communal settings.
- Assesses and effectively responds to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.
- In partnership with the client, 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.
- Administers any required assessments and outcome tools at their designated intervals.
- Attends any mandatory group supervision and program/agency meetings.
- 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.
- Other duties specific to the needs of the particular site or program where this position is based.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- **Required**:High School diploma or GED equivalent plus 4 years’ work experience or Associate’s degree plus 2 years’ work experience, preferably in the field of gender-based violence or a social services-related capacity.
- **Preferred**:Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field. Experience in social services and/or the field of gender-based violence preferred. Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification preferred.
- **Training**: 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.
- Knowledge of community resources, advocacy and crisis intervention skills, and an understanding of trauma and Trauma-Informed Care is beneficial.
- Empathic, non-judgmental, service-oriented attitude in work with clients. Recognizes domestic violence survivors as the experts of their own lives and partners with clients to identify and build upon their strengths.
- Ability to respond appropriately in varied situations and to function with mínimal supervision.
- Ability to work and problem-solve both independently and collaboratively within a team environment, demonstrating professionalism, flexibility, and mature judgment.
- Must demonstrate self-awareness, insight, and commitment to ongoing professional growth. Models healthy boundaries and good self-care with clients and coworkers.
- Bilingual/bicultural preferred, and may be required for particular programs or sites.
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate understanding and effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
- Additional skills may be required specific to the particular program or site where this position is based.

**ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS**:

- MFS staff are required to provide proof of vaccination or have an approved Medical exemption prior to starting employment. If an approved Medical is obtained, weekly testing may be required.

**PHYSICAL DEMANDS**
- While performing the essential duties of this jo