Senior Domestic Violence Advocate

Metropolitan Family Services is seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Senior Domestic Violence Advocate to join our team. As a key member of our Family Shelter Service of DuPage Team, you will provide direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, advocacy, life skills development, parenting support, information, and referrals.

• Assess and effectively respond to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.
• Develop and regularly review a service plan that describes the client's goals while receiving services and tracks their progress in the achievement of those goals.
• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of MFS programs and community-based resources, facilitating linkages with services both within MFS and in the community.
• Provide consultation to other staff as needed and assume a leadership role in fostering positive working relationships with community partners.
• Administer required assessments and outcome tools at designated intervals.
• Attend mandatory group supervision and program/agency meetings, and facilitate team meetings in the absence of the DV Program Supervisor.
• Participate in a team-oriented approach by collaborating with departmental staff and other programs to provide comprehensive services for clients.
• Complete paperwork in a timely manner, including case notes and other documentation needed for a client's file.
• Work within contract, grant, and program expectations, including meeting timelines and reporting requirements.
• Remain cognizant of current developments in the field of domestic violence, attending appropriate workshops, conferences, etc. to enhance professional development and understanding of issues in the field.
• Establish and maintain contact with local agencies, organizations, and partnering sites as appropriate, effectively and professionally representing Metropolitan Family Services and the domestic violence program in the community.
• Provide services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals' code of ethics.

• Associate's degree plus 3 years' experience or Bachelor's degree plus 1 year experience, including experience in domestic violence survivor services and other services as appropriate to the specific role.
• Preferred: Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification.
• Training: 40-hour Domestic Violence training preferred at time of hire, 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, recognizing domestic violence survivors as the experts of their own lives and partnering with clients to identify and build upon their strengths.
• Ability to respond appropriately in varied situations and to function with minimal 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, modeling 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, strong organizational 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.
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel between sites within the Chicago metropolitan area.

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, Traditional PPO, or PPO w/ HSA contributions.
• Dental and Vision Insurance Options.
• 12 paid Holidays.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• 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.