Bilingual Domestic Violence Court Advocate

About Metropolitan Family Services

Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) 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 122,900 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of IL Medical Coverage options that support all levels of staff (including Part‑Time): HMO, PPO, and HSA (PPO).
• ZERO: A free benefit for BCBS PPO members that helps find the least expensive option for medical.
• MFS will contribute $2,000 to individual and $4,000 to family HSA Accounts through our HSA coverage, all front‑loaded at the start of the year, or the start of your HSA enrollment.
• Teladoc services provided to all employees: a no‑cost benefit providing general medicine and behavioral health services, no insurance.
• Dental HMO and PPO options through Guardian.
• VSP vision insurance with one of the largest networks in the Chicago‑land.
• Company‑paid individual life insurance policy of $100,000, with a wide range of additional employee‑cost benefits.
• Company‑paid individual short‑term disability (STD) and long‑term disability (LTD).
• Five flexible spending account (FSA) options ranging from health to contribute your pre‑tax dollars where you need them the most.
• Ascensus 401K Plan with up to a 4% match, vested at 100% on day one of employment.
• 12 paid holiday days.
• Starting with 15 days of PTO, maxing at 30 days after 3 years of service.
• Training and professional development plan with e‑learning modules.
• Pet insurance options for your furry (or non‑furry) friends.
• Comprehensive employee assistance program (EAP).
• Free will preparation services.
• On‑staff notary available to employees.
• ALEX, AI‑powered assistance that will help you make benefit decisions.

We are now hiring for a full‑time Senior Domestic Violence Court Advocate to join our Midway Court Advocacy Program housed at the Centralized Domestic Violence Court in Chicago.

• Provides direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, legal advocacy, information, and referrals.
• Assists clients in preparing petitions for orders of protection; accompanies them throughout the court process; prepares orders for the judge; provides education about domestic violence and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA).
• Develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of MFS programs and community‑based resources, particularly within the criminal justice system, and may facilitate linkages with services within MFS and in the community.
• Attends any mandatory group supervision and program/agency meetings.
• Participates in a team‑oriented approach by collaborating with departmental staff and other programs to provide comprehensive services for clients.
• Completes paperwork in a timely manner, including case notes and other documentation needed for a client’s file.
• Remains cognizant of current developments in the field of domestic violence. Attends appropriate workshops, conferences, etc. to enhance professional development and understanding of issues in the field.
• Works closely with and advocates on behalf of clients with other agencies and the legal system (e.g. State’s Attorneys; Legal Aid; DCFS; police and Sheriff’s departments; private attorneys; investigators; etc.). Represents MFS and the domestic violence program with a high degree of professionalism, courtroom etiquette, and an understanding of the expectations of the criminal justice system.
• Establishes and maintains contact with local agencies, organizations, and partnering sites as appropriate; effectively and professionally represents MFS and the domestic violence program in the community.
• May participate in quality…