Domestic Violence Advocate
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
The Domestic Violence (DV) Advocate provides trauma-informed culturally responsive advocacy and support to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Ille Advocate helps survivors identify safety needs access community resources navigate systems and develop individualized safety and service plans. The position promotes survivor self- determination confidentiality empowerment and safety while coordinating services with behavioral health case management legal housing healthcare and Other community partners.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct initial engagement needs assessments and ongoing advocacy for survivors of domestic violence
- Develop individualized safety plans and provide crisis intervention and emotional support.
- Provide information regarding domestic violence healthy relationships available resources and survivor rights.
- Help survivors access emergency shelter housing food transponation healthcare financial assistance childcare and Other supportive services.
- Provide advocacy and accompaniment when appropriate with law enforcement courts healthcare providers schools and other systems.
- Make referrals and coordinate services with behavioral health case management legal assistance and community-based providers.
- Maintain regular communication and follow-up with participants to support service engagement and safety.
- Document services refenals contacts and outcomes accurately and in accordance with agency and funding requitements.
- Participate in multidisciplinary case consultation supervision staff meetings and required training.
- Conduct community outreach and education to increase awareness of domestic violence services and available resources
- Promote culturally responsive trauma-informed healing-centered and survivor-driven practices.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with applicable agency contractual and mandated reporting requirements.
- Perfonn other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors degree in social work human services psychology criminal justice or a related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Minimum of 12 years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence families children behavioral health crisis intervention or other vulnerable populations preferred.
Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics trauma-infomed care safety planning and community resources. Strong communication advocacy crisis intervention documentation and organizational
Ability to establish trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Ability to work effectively With individuals from diverse cultural socioeconomic and linguistic backgrounds.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive and potentially high-risk situations.
Proficiency with electronic case management/documentation systems and Microsoft Office.
Must successfully complete required background checks and agency training.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Trauma-Informed Care I Survivor Advocacy I Crisis Intervention I Safety Planning I Cultural Responsiveness I Case Coordination Communication I Confidentiality I Community Engagement
PHYSICAL/WORK REQUIREMENTS
Position requires the ability to work in community-based settings travel to partner locations or participant appointments as needed use a computer for documentation and respond appropriately to crisis situations
About Company
Maryville Academy's range of programs includes residential care, mental health services, healthcare services, family support services, educational offerings and youth development programs through outreach services.