Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan is Illinois’ first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 96,000 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.

We are now hiring for part-time Hotline Advocate to join our Family Shelter Service DuPage Team!

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assess the needs of the caller.
• Provide non-directive emotional support.
• Provide accurate and appropriate information about domestic violence and agency services.
• Work on developing safety plans with callers, when appropriate.
• Facilitate linkages with programs both inside and outside of FSS of MFS-D.
• Complete paperwork in a timely manner, including Hotline call logs, case notes, intakes, and other documentation that is required by the agency.
• Advise staff of any pertinent disclosures or problem situations.
• Attend mandatory group supervision and program/agency meetings
• Participate in a team oriented approach by collaborating with other programs and departmental staff as needed.
• Provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals code of ethics.
• Directly supervised by the Safe Connections Coordinator, under the direction of the Director of Domestic Violence Services.
• Partners directly and ongoing with Community Advocates and may collaborate with other departments as needed.
• Works with Hotline Volunteers and agency interns as needed.
• Maintains working knowledge of community resources.
• Other duties as negotiated.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates Degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field from an accredited college or university, required.
• Two years experience in social services related capacity, required.
• 48-hour Domestic Violence training preferred, but required at first opportunity, along with specialized Hotline training and mentoring.
• Must be able to respond appropriately in varied situations and be able to function with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, insight and commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment and exercise mature judgment.
• Understands and demonstrates the importance of compassion and non-violent communication, healthy boundaries, understanding of needs towards self, other staff and clients.
• Demonstrates high level of empathy and sensitivity to client’s trauma/situation.
• Must be able to tolerate an uneven work pace.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates understanding and effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrates professionalism, flexibility and good judgement.
• Demonstrates commitment to teamwork and collaborative decision-making.
• Demonstrates ability to problem solve individually and with a team to effectively deliver service.
• Must have reliable transportation. May have to travel to different locations within agency.
• Must have flexibility in working daytime, evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to operate general office equipment and have basic computer knowledge.
• Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs.
• Bilingual/bicultural preferred.
• Employment with MFS requires proof of vaccination or an approved Medical exemption, required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• MFS staff are required to provide proof of vaccination or have an approved Medical exemption prior to starting employment. If an approved Medical is obtained, weekly testing is required.

MEASURABLE OUTCOMES:

• Increase client knowledge of community referrals given.
• Decrease hotline call rollover to the Illinois State Domestic Violence Hotline.
• Increase community awareness of domestic violence.

Skills

Required

Required

Preferred