Job Description

Full-time positions

The Domestic Violence Advocate is primarily responsible for crisis line and shelter operations. This position is often the first point of contact with Freedom House that stakeholders, and clients will encounter. As such, it requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, sound judgment and the ability to multitask in high stress situations.

Essential Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing initial contact for clients and members of the public. Situated at the front desk, the Advocate is responsible for handling the flow of individuals (clients, staff, stakeholders, etc.) and telephone callers that initiate contact with Freedom House.  The position is responsible for greeting and assessing the initial contact and making appropriate referrals for service.
• Maintaining safety and security of the facility. Working with staff, clients, and emergency personnel to provide cooperative response to situations for fire, police, and weather emergencies.
• Documenting all client contact, advocacy, referrals, and community contacts as necessary and according to internal and external requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of community resources for client/caller request for resources and referrals.
• Attend required trainings and regularly scheduled program/all-staff meetings.
• Crisis intervention
• Working with agency staff to provide office and clerical support (office and program supplies, duplication, agency mail sorting, etc.
• Maintaining order and cleanliness of office and shelter.
• Provide case management to shelter clients, as well as non-residential clients to assist development and implementation of a service plan, including but not limited to, seeking housing, education, employment, and childcare.
• Mandatory on-call and holiday rotation.
• Schedule flexibility to meet the needs of the agency and clients.
• Providing Domestic Violence Education.
• Outreach to clients in a variety of settings that may include courts, hospitals, or other social service agencies.
• Maintaining ethical boundaries with clients.

Other Responsiblities

• Supports and follows agency policies and procedures; complies with confidentiality policies.
• Maintains professional relations with client, staff members and community visitors.

• Routine contact and follow up with referral sources.
• Collaboration with outside sources and agencies which may include public education presentations.

• Maintains agency records and workspace in an orderly fashion.
• Serves as a Mandated Reporter
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Supervisory

• There are no supervisory responsibilities currently associated with this function unless otherwise assigned by Program Manager.

Preserving Freedom House’s Mission

• Serving as a public representative of the organization to build awareness of and commitment to Freedom House’s mission and work
• Actively reinforcing organizational culture and agreements; maintain good relations with staff members and abide by all agency confidentiality policies

Qualifications / Skills / Knowledge Requirements:

• Associates Degree in social/human services or at least one years’ experience in a similar position (preferred)
• Strong leadership qualities and experience

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to maintain electronic and paper filing systems
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer software applicants utilized by the agency, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Attention to detail, accurate data entry, ability to work independently.
• Experience, ability, and willingness to communicate and work well with survivors from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and with various religious beliefs, lifestyles, sexual orientations, age variances and differing abilities
• Continuing Education as required
• Successful completion of sixty (60) hour combined Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault training by an ICDVP certified training site.
• Possession of a valid Illinois Driver’s License and proof of insurance.
• Ability to represent the agency professionally and effectively in a variety of settings.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with all agency staff and with multiple outside agencies
• Ability to comply and pass a background check including drug testing

Application process:

Download a copy of the Freedom House application from our website:  www.freedomhouseillinois.org

Email your cover letter, completed application, and resume describing work experience, education, and references to:  (MSWord, or PDF attachments)

akillian@freedomhouseillinois.com

or Mail to:

DV Program Manager – confidential

Freedom House, 440 Elm Place, Princeton, IL  61356

Incomplete applications and those without a resume or cover letter will not be considered.

Freedom House does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status of sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Freedom House will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unrelated to the ability to perform one’s job, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to the organization. Employment with Freedom House is employment-at-will, meaning it is voluntarily entered into, and may be terminated at any time, without or with cause, by the employee or by Freedom House. Posting this notice does create a commitment by Freedom House to fill the position.