ADVOCATE

JOB TITLE: ADVOCATE

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT

POSITION SUMMARY:

Participates in the activities of a multidisciplinary team engaged in the delivery of residential and/or non-residential domestic violence program services. Utilizes an empowerment-based, trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach in providing services to survivors of domestic violence. Participates in the formulation and implementation of individual client goal plans and individualized services. Maintains a caseload and provides or arranges supportive services with clients/survivors.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Applies advocacy-based counseling techniques in the identification and support of individual client/survivor needs
• Evaluates the needs of assigned caseload, working with clients/survivors to establish a list of needs and assets, and develops relevant goals with survivors, based on their input and requests. Promotes wellness and autonomy through empowerment, encouragement, and assistance with goal setting
• Provides advocacy, domestic violence counseling, and case management to survivors of domestic violence on a regularly scheduled and as-needed basis
• Maintains client confidentiality standards as required by Remedies Renewing Lives, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and the United States Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)
• Maintains appropriate client records reflecting services provided to clients and progress made toward established goals
• Engages in appropriate safety planning and linkage of services with clients/survivors
• Aids in data collection as needed
• Adheres to funding requirements
• Participates in weekly meetings with their direct supervisor, and other staff meetings as needed, to discuss individual client needs, programmatic and community needs, and alternative approaches and resources
• Records accurate and timely documentation of activities and services provided
• Attends all staff meetings and participates in other programs or community agency meetings, as requested or assigned
• Participates in in-service or continuing education, as requested
• Sustains a working relationship with other client-service teams within the Agency and community to ensure continuity of care for all individuals
• Gives and receives support from other staff members within each of their respective areas of influence and expertise
• Educates other community groups or professionals through presentations on topics such as intimate partner violence and Agency services, as requested
• Frequent written and verbal communications with clients/survivors, referral sources and other employees, as appropriate.
• Performs all job functions in a professional manner
• Performs all job functions consistent with confidentiality regulations, ethical practices and Agency polices and mission
• Presents and maintains a professional image in dress, behavior, and work habits
• Promotes a positive and pleasant attitude conducive to the workplace that enhances and furthers the Mission, Vision and Values Statement
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Ability to prepare and maintain effective case files
• Ability to participate in and successfully complete a comprehensive training program
• Ability to provide sincere interest necessary to work with client population
• Ability to engage potential clientele and/or maintain current clients in services by providing support and encouragement
• Must acquire and apply the skills necessary for empathetic and empowering counseling/advocacy/crisis intervention techniques and methods
• Possess high physical and emotional energy needed to handle the array of circumstances that may arise
• Basic computer skills
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills
• Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with survivors, staff, other service providers, and the public

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Counseling, Social Work or related field required

EXPERIENCE:

One-year full time experience providing professional counseling, advocacy, and/or case management with adults preferred

TRAINING/CERTIFICATE/LICENSE:

Completion of the 40-hour domestic violence training as required by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) from an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) approved training site. This training will be provided by Remedies Renewing Lives to new employees who have not yet completed the training.

COMPENSATION:

$21.28/HOUR

BENEFITS:

Full-time employees are eligible for benefits insurance on the first of the month after 30 days of employment. Benefits include medical, dental and 401K participation. We also offer an accrual of 4 weeks of paid time off per year. There is an annual discretionary bonus given as well after completing 1 year of service. Full-time employees are also eligible for short/long term disability and term life insurance.