Resource & Information Advocate

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word.
COMMUNITY
! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do.

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) 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. Are you looking to have an impact on more than just a company’s bottom line? Then we’d love to hear from you!

We are currently looking to fill a Resource and Information advocate role at our Midway office.

• The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $40,116 and $44,338 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

• Greets survivors seeking assistance at the Centralized Domestic Violence Courthouse of Cook County and effectively assesses their immediate needs.
• Provides crisis intervention, emotional support, and brief assistance in the preparation of Orders of Protection, Stalking No-Contact Orders, and Civil No-Contact Orders.
• Provides guidance, information, and referrals. This may include a brief overview of available court options, an explanation of possible interventions, answering questions, and referring clients to resources both within and outside of the courthouse (including court advocacy services offered by Metropolitan Family Services and other organizations).
• Develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of MFS programs and community-based resources. May facilitate linkages with services both 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 and enters data in a timely manner, including client information sheets and other documentation needed for a client’s file.
• Works within contract, grant, and program expectations, including meeting timelines, grant objectives, and reporting requirements.
• 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.
• Establishes and maintains contact with local agencies, organizations, and partnering sites as appropriate; effectively and professionally represents Metropolitan Family Services and the domestic violence program in the community.
• Provides services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of community resources, advocacy and crisis intervention skills, an understanding of trauma, and familiarity with legal systems and concepts is beneficial.
• Interest in domestic violence prevention/intervention and in continued growth within the field.
• Empathic, non-judgmental, service-oriented attitude in work with clients.
• Ability to respond appropriately in varied situations, multi-task, and function with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational, record-keeping, and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Ability to work and problem-solve both independently and collaboratively within a team environment, demonstrating professionalism, flexibility, and mature judgment.
• Must demonstrate effectiveness in working with people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Must be able to accommodate flexibility in work schedule, which may include some variable evenings and/or weekends.
• Must be able to operate general office equipment and have basic computer knowledge.

• High School diploma or GED equivalent plus 4+ years’ work experience.
• OR Associate’s degree plus 2+ year work experience, preferably in the field of gender based violence, within the legal system, or in a social services related capacity.

Drivi…