WINGS Program favors a strengths-based approach to working with residents. The Family Advocate position involves working with survivors of domestic violence and homeless adults and their children, our “residents”. The FA duties include; supportive services and case management to women, men, and children clients of the agency in ways that enhance their life and assist them toward more independent living and wellness. WINGS promotes self-reliance through an empathic and caring atmosphere.
Key Responsibilities:
Service Delivery
Assess each client upon entry to the program for needs and strengths and identify the level of need for medical/dental, social, educational needs, and support.
Provide crisis intervention activities with clients.
Conduct case management activities such as conflict management, budgeting, parenting and life skills, in coordination with Children’s Advocates, as needed.
Develop a service plan by meeting with clients weekly, or as needed, to monitor and revise the plan.
Provide services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals code of ethics.
Assist with answering the Intake Function phone line, completing phone intakes for Counseling, Housing and Community Based Services, and providing referrals as needed.
Assist clients in application and follow up of mainstream benefits, location of sustainable long- term housing, and prove referrals and resources as needed.
Conduct weekly house meeting to discuss communal living issues; may co-facilitate women’s support group, as needed.
As directed, provide supervision for the 40-hour training and CEU.
Collaborate with outside agencies in their work on clients’ service plans.
Building Safety and Security
Respond to security concerns appropriately, documenting observations and actions taken.
Identify repairs and/or household needs, coordinating with Tenant Relations Manager, or others to ensure needs are met.
Supervises and coordinate activities related to chores and completing household chores if necessary.
Facilitate safety of residents by conducting periodic inspections, teaching fire safety, and conducting regular fire drills.
Administration
Complete and maintain case notes, and document service statistics.
Using the appropriate forms, request volunteers and donations as necessary.
Process and sort donations to the home.
Monitor compliance with WINGS Rights and Responsibilities statement.
As required, attend community resource meetings to learn of potential resources.
Immediately report child abuse to Department of Children and Family Services.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in social service, a closely related field, or equivalent job experience required.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in social services, case management, informal counseling, and the ability to work efficiently and independently preferred.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
CPR & First Aid Certification preferred.
40-hour Domestic Violence Training Certificate preferred.
ICDVP credential preferred.
Strong working knowledge and skill with Microsoft Office Suite along with excellent verbal and written communication and documentation skills.
Possess the ability to work efficiently and independently and be highly organized with attention to detail along with strong project management, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Skilled in working with sensitive issues and in maintaining professional boundaries with clients.
Must demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, good judgment, and commitment to teamwork.
Demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy and services of WINGS, and a commitment to women’s issues, with a belief that families can live in a peaceful and non-violent environment.
Must be able to respond appropriately in emergency situations; must be able to function well with minimal supervision.
Must demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, good judgment, and commitment to teamwork.
Must be willing to work variable hours including evening, weekends, and holidays, serve as a rotating on call staff, and with minimal notice work at any of the locations within the WINGS Program.
Transportation - Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, automobile insurance
Ability to handle physical requirements to accomplish daily responsibilities, including but not limited to lifting up to 35 pounds using both hands/arms on a regular basis, climbing stairs, hear and/or see fire and intruder alarms, and occasionally standing for extended periods.
#ZR
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Public Safety
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