Community Educator

Company Description The Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center, located in Elgin, Illinois, has been serving individuals and families in crisis since 1975. As one of the oldest domestic violence shelters in the state, the Center has played a key role in organizing both the Illinois and National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Team members provide comprehensive services for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and economic hardship, with a mission focused on Safety, Hope, Advocacy, Respite, and Education. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, financial assistance, an emergency food pantry, batterers’ intervention, transitional living, specialized children’s programming, and community education. The Center primarily serves northern Kane County and far northwest suburban Cook County, with no service area limits for domestic violence survivors.

Role Description The Community Educator is a full-time, on-site role based in Elgin, IL. This role is responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating educational programs about domestic violence, sexual assault, and related crises for schools, community organizations, service providers, and the general public. Day-to-day tasks include developing presentations and training materials, facilitating workshops, representing the Crisis Center at community events, and building partnerships with local agencies and stakeholders. The Community Educator will collaborate with internal teams to ensure accurate, trauma-informed messaging, respond to requests for education and outreach, and maintain records of programs and participant feedback. The role also involves supporting awareness campaigns, assisting with grant or report documentation related to education activities, and promoting the Center’s services and mission in the Fox Valley Region and beyond.

Detailed Job Summary:

Provide educational

• programs for community and professional groups as requested.
• Maintain an adequate supply of domestic and sexaul assault brochures and pamphlets in appropriate locations throughout the community.
• Promote and schedule prevention education programs through outreach to educators, school systems, yourh organizations, medical and community groups, and other interested or high risk populations.
• Assist DSV Advocacy and Prevention Servies Coordinator in the planning and coordination of the events related to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault month and awreness od sexual assault/abuse issues throughout the year.
• Provide training to other professionals as needed.
• Remain aware of current developments in the field.
• Particpate in funder site reviews as necessary.
• Must maintain confidentiality of services.
• Attend staff meetings as designated unless Executive Director waives this requirement.
• Assist the DSV Advocacy and Prevention Services Coordinator in short and long range program planning.
• Education- Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Public Health, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience - Prefer 1 year experience in social services.
• Training- Upon employment will recieve a minimum of 40 hours training in the area of domestic and sexual violence.
• Technical Skills- Requires good written, verbal and communication skills; must have good listening skills and organization. Basic computer knowledge, the ability to prioritize responsibilities, and knowledge of other services in the area.
• Social Skills- Must demonstrate flexibility with a “team work approach” as well as demonstrate courtesy and respect towards other employees, interns, volunteers, Visitors and clients.
• Transportation Requirements- Must be willing and able to travel throughout the area for presentations; if using a privately owned vehicle, must provide proof of current yearly insurance coverage.
• Pay- $42,000-$48,000 Annually
• Benefits- Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Life insurance, Paid time off, Employee Assistance program, Professional development assistance.