Domestic & Sexual Violence Coordinated Entry/Community Advocate

** This is a new position within the Domestic & Sexual Violence Line of Service. It will work between Constance Morris House, the Hickory Hills office, and the community. **

SUMMARY

Assessor will provide or coordinate standardized assessments and housing navigation for individuals and families in suburban Cook County who are survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking as defined in 24 CFR 578.3 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness and are seeking assistance in securing stable housing. Provide medical and legal advocacy to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In addition, develop partnerships with community programs and alliances to provide education and build widespread support for survivors and their families.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide comprehensive and quality services to survivors of domestic violence and their families (includes children and teen witnesses).

Provide on-going counseling/case management and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their families through in-person individual sessions and group sessions.

Provide crisis intervention, general and legal advocacy, referral, domestic violence education, safety planning, and emotional support for survivors of domestic violence and their families over the phone or in-person.

Receive referral clients who are experience domestic violence from partner organizations.

CE DV Assessor will participate in Comprehensive Street Outreach program when appropriate to assist with more streamlined community response to homelessness for unsheltered households that are fleeing domestic violence.

Advocate on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and their families within various systems to include social service, housing, economic, legal, health care and education.

Ensure professional relationships with clients to create an atmosphere of empathy, safety and support.

Maintain accurate and current information regarding issues and policies impacting clients and their families.

Update and enhance knowledge of community resources and materials relevant to the clients we serve.

Coordinate responsibilities with team members to ensure client needs are met.

Update client files into HMIS in a timely and accurate manner.

Update client case notes into Carelogic in a timely and accurate manner.

Achieve productivity expectations pertaining to service hours.

Maintain knowledge of internal organizational guidelines and protocols.

Assist qualifying clients with the Coordinated Entry (CE) System.

This position is the main staff entering clients into the Coordinated Entry System; however they are supported by other Community Advocates. This position will assist training these staff on the system and any updates.

Work with Advocacy and Counseling staff to coordinate clients needing housing through the CE System.

Work with community to enter their clients into the Coordinated Entry System.

Organize and prioritize daily services and responsibilities to ensure that client needs are met.

Work with and take referrals from partner organizations referring qualified clients for entry into the Coordinated Entry System.

Attend meetings and trainings through the Alliance to End Homelessness and others pertaining to HMIS.

Build and enhance community relationships.

Represent the organization with professionalism at community meetings and events and demonstrate diplomacy and tact in all interactions with various system representatives and community partners.

Participate and provide leadership on various external committees, task forces, and councils as assigned.

Collaborate with other community and county agencies on behalf of the clients we serve.

Develop and maintain partnerships with community programs that are in line with the mission of Pillars Community Health.

Develop partnerships with programs in the Southwest Cook County Communities to grow referrals to Pillars Community Health’s services.

Participate in the on-call rotation for crisis line in order to support crisis line staff and volunteers.

Provide coverage for the DVSA crisis line (evenings, nights, and weekends).

Provide prompt feedback about concerns or successes during the on-call shift.

Educate community members and professionals about domestic violence and Pillars Community Health services.

Provide community education presentations and professional trainings.

Participate in community awareness events.

Provide internal training to staff, volunteers, and interns.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience:

BA degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of degree.

One year (1) or more experience providing direct service advocacy on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and their families and/or on behalf of survivors of community violence preferred.

Experience providing housing and/or coordinated entry services to families (volunteer and internship experiences included).

One year (1) or more experience providing supportive counseling, advocacy, and/or case management services to families (volunteer and internship experiences included).

Public speaking experience preferred.

Completion of an Illinois Certified 60-Hour Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Training preferred. or required to complete at hire.

Language Skills:

Fluency in Spanish, oral and written, preferred.

Schedule:

Ability to work some evening and weekend hours for position requirements. Also participates in the 24/7 on-call hotline calendar on a rotating basis. May cover evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.

OTHER

Must maintain a safe driving record and have current valid Illinois Driver’s License. Personal vehicle needed for interoffice travel and community work. Mileage for authorized work-related purposes is reimbursable.

Knowledge and Skills:

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Excellent organizational skills.

Demonstrated computer experience (HMIS).

Knowledge of survivors, children and youth issues specifically related to domestic violence .

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle a variety of tasks and meet established deadlines.

Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with a wide variety of people, including but not limited to board members, staff, volunteers, interns, government officials, community partners, organizational donors and media.

Commitment to and experience in working with people from diverse backgrounds and from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Quality – produces quality work product.

Job Knowledge – demonstrates a clear understanding of and executes roles and responsibilities.

Time Management/Productivity – manages time and resources effectively.

Problem Solving/Decision Making – demonstrates proper judgment, problem solving and decision making.

Communication – effectively communicates.

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