Domestic Violence Court Advocate

Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services 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 Domestic Violence Court Advocate to join our Family Shelter Service of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage Team!

SALARY:

• The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $44,000 and $48,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, legal advocacy, information, and/or referrals.
• Assists clients in preparing petitions for Orders of Protection; accompanies them throughout the court process; prepares Orders for the judge; provides education about domestic violence and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA).
• Develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of MFS programs and community-based resources, particularly within the criminal justice system. May facilitate linkages with services both within MFS and in the community.
• May assist in training program staff, volunteers, and/or interns. May conduct public education presentations, police trainings, or other educational offerings related to court advocacy services.
• Administers any required 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 intakes, case notes and other documentation needed for a client’s file.
• Works within contract, grant, and program expectations, including meeting timelines and reporting requirements. Provides timely, accurate statistical information for program grants.
• 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.
• Works closely with and advocates on behalf of clients with other agencies and the legal system (e.g. State’s Attorneys; Legal Aid; DCFS; police and Sheriff’s departments; private attorneys; investigators; etc.). Represents Metropolitan Family Services and the domestic violence program with a high degree of professionalism, an awareness of courtroom etiquette, and an understanding of the expectations of the criminal justice system.
• Provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.
• May perform other specialized duties as assigned, which may be specific to the needs of the particular site or program where this position is based (e.g. court follow-up contacts; educational group sessions; police department liaison; staffing Legal Advocacy Helpline; responding to police-reported incidents of domestic violence in accordance with the DuPage County Domestic Violence Protocol).
• Provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Associate’s degree plus 2 years’ work experience, preferably in the field of gender-based violence and/or a criminal justice-related capacity required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field, with experience in the legal system or the field of gender-based violence preferred.
• Experience in legal systems and concepts, Orders of Protection, social services, and/or the field of gender-based violence strongly preferred and highly beneficial. Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification preferred.
• 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.
• Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) certification preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of community resources, advocacy and crisis intervention skills, and an understanding of trauma and Trauma-Informed Care is beneficial. Is a strong advocate for survivors within the criminal justice system.
• 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 implement interventions that will increase their safety.
• Ability to respond appropriately in varied situations, multi-task, and 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. 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.

TRAVEL/MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Driving for work is required with a personally owned vehicle. May need to travel between different program sites for meetings/trainings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle, and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and viewing a computer terminal.

Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package. Find out more by clicking here!

Some highlights include:

• Medical Coverage, Guardian Dental Coverage, and VSP Vision Coverage.
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

And so much more! Make sure you click here to see the full suite of benefits offered!

MORE ABOUT US:

Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.