Residential Family Advocate

SUMMARY

Engages survivors of domestic violence who are in residence at Constance Morris House, in setting goals and carrying out tasks specific to each resident's pursuit of a healthier and nonviolent lifestyle. Provides a safe environment where the children of survivors can develop the skills that promote effective, nonviolent, psychological, social and educational functioning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provide crisis intervention, information, and referral via 24-hour telephone crisis-line.
• Through in-person and / or telephone interview with client, assess the client's presenting issue and collaborate with the parent on identifying needs for service.
• Maintain a caseload of residential families in order to provide them with advocacy, supportive counseling and crisis intervention.
• Provide case management responsibilities including but not limited to employment assistance (job searches, resume writing, mock interviews), school registration and activities, and providing linkage to resources in the community.
• Accompany shelter residents into the community with goal related activities (DHS, Schools, Banks, etc.)
• Attend weekly training / consultation groups.
• Spend informal and scheduled time with residents in their milieu.
• Provide group counseling that includes domestic violence education, psychological support, conflict resolution and life skill enhancement and information. Provide parenting education and child development information to families in residence.
• Document in-person and telephone interactions with clients and their collaterals in accordance with agency / program policy, which can include residential intake form, progress notes, case plan and termination summary.
• Inform each resident of her rights and responsibilities in receiving CMH services.
• Participates in staff training sessions and weekly staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned which can include community presentations about domestic violence or sexual assault, and short-term projects related to Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault Awareness

QUALIFICATIONS :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field preferred. 60 hour IL domestic violence / sexual assault training preferred. 1-year experience with Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault survivors or 1 year in a residential / shelter environment. Special interest in working with children required. Knowledge of child development desirable. Ability to balance job responsibilities as a team player with the ability to work independently. Ability to perform competently in a crisis situation.

LANGUAGE Bilingual (English / Spanish) skills preferred

SCHEDULE

The current schedule will be : Tuesday - Saturday : 3 : 30p-12 am.

Please note that the schedule will include holidays as the domestic violence shelter is open 24 / 7 / 365. This is the schedule structure based on the current needs of the program. The schedule is subject to change and may result in rotation with the additional advocates on the team.

PAY & BENEFIT INFORMATION

$19.50 per hour to $25.77 per hour

Medical, dental, vision, short / long term disability, life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, FSA, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off for vacation, sick, personal time, & holidays. Professional development membership to Relias Essential Learning. Reimbursement for position related certifications.