The Family Advocate provides primary support for the day- to- day operations and needs of the Emergency Shelter Program. The Family Advocate reports to the Director of Shelter Services and works closely with all programs.

A Safe Place is a recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization listed under Lake County Crisis Center for the Prevention & Treatment of Domestic Violence Inc.

Current Shift available

• 1st Shift 7am-3pm Tuesday - Saturday

Position is located in Waukegan, IL

SHELTER FAMILY ADVOCATE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop individual service and safety plans in collaboration with assigned clients.
• Provide case management for clients.
• Act as advocate for clients with legal, medical, counseling, welfare, housing, educational, and other services as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention counseling and referrals for callers on the crisis line.
• Expectations to maintain 70% direct client service hours.

Refer clients to appropriate community resources and facilitate access to those resources

• Educational services (GED/college, etc.)
• Employment services (resume building, referring to job fairs and other hiring opportunities)
• The Family Advocate provides transportation information and assistance (public transportation routes, availability, fees, etc.)
• DHS service assistance (applying for benefits, completing renewals, paperwork deadlines)
• Medical and mental health facilities
• The Shelter Advocate provides legal referral advocacy (referral to services for legal advice including but not limited to family and child court cases, DCFS cases, etc.)
• Community outreach service connections (connect client with current and ongoing community resources that other staff may not be plugged into or aware of)
• Transitional supports (completing forms and other documents needed for housing resources)
• Resources for children (school programs, child care, groups, etc.)
• The Shelter Advocate provides Internal referrals to appropriate programs

Provide education on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Orders of Protection and stalking laws to enhance client safety and abuser accountability, providing referral sources internally and/or externally when appropriate.

• The Family Advocate interacts with clients in the community areas of the shelter and role model appropriate social skills, conflict resolution, parenting and other skills of daily living.
• Conduct intake and eligibility evaluations to determine client’s needs and appropriateness for services.
• Supervise and coordinate house policies and chores as they apply to residents of the shelter.
• Ensure documentation in client records is appropriate, accurate, timely and in accordance with agency policies and funding requirements.
• Provide follow-up services for former residents and complete court callbacks.
• Interact with clients in the community areas of the shelter and role model appropriate social skills, conflict resolution, parenting and other skills of daily living.
• Assist in receiving and storing donations as requested.
• 1st Shift Shelter Advocate develops a good rapport and networking with area agencies.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, case management and other training and meetings as requested.
• Provide support and guidance to volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Bachelors degree in social work, counseling or closely related field. Relevant experience will be considered in lieu of Bachelors.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge of counseling theories and modalities with a commitment to client empowerment and self-direction.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide active listening, encouragement and counseling to clients.
• Ability to motivate clients into action, to engage clients in shelter services and to support client progress toward achievement of their service plan and personal independence.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds.

Ability to accept, to understand, and to relate sensitively to people of varied socio-economic, racial, cultural, gender preference, sexual preference and experiential backgrounds.

A commitment to the philosophy and program of A SAFE PLACE, which includes a commitment to survivors & children’s issues, sharing a belief in helping to create a society free from violence, and in working in a cooperative environment.

For more information, please visit www.asafeplaceforhelp.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

• Adults
• Children

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Social Work: 1 year (Required)
• Crisis intervention: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Bilingual Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person