DV Advocate

Metropolitan Family Services is seeking a dedicated and compassionate DV Advocate to join our team. As a DV Advocate, you will provide direct housing support services to survivors of gender-based violence and their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, advocacy, life skills development, parenting support, information, and referrals.

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• Provides direct housing support services to survivors of gender-based violence and their children.
  
• Assesses and effectively responds to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.
  
• Develops and regularly reviews a housing 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.
  
• Facilitates 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.
  
• 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.
  

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• 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.
  
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field is preferred.
  
• Experience in social services and/or the field of gender-based violence is preferred.
  
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification is preferred.
  
• Bi-lingual/Spanish is preferred.
  

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• Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications.
  
• Metropolitan Family Services offers a very generous benefits packet to our professionals.
  
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage.
  
• Dental and Vision Insurance Options.
  
• 12 paid Holidays.
  
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
  
• Parental Leave.
  
• Bereavement Leave.
  
• 401K Plan.
  
• Training and Professional Development Plan with E-Learning.
  
• Wellness Initiative Program.
  
• Employee Assistance Network.
  

Metropolitan Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.