House Advocate
Job Description
Job Description
Description :
WINGS Program is looking for a driven, empathetic multitasker for our House Advocate position!
Established in 1985 as a nonprofit advocate for homeless women and children, we have expanded to become one of the largest domestic violence service and housing providers in Illinois .
Today, single individuals (women / men / transgender) and their children can receive temporary safe shelter through WINGS housing, while our staff provides one-on-one, individualized assistance in setting personal goals that will enable them to work, continue their education, and care for themselves and their children.
Simply put, we provide a pathway to independence for people whose lives have been disrupted by domestic violence.
Objective : To maintain the smooth operation of the Safe House and Crisis Line, and support clients as needed.
Key Responsibilities :
- Operate the Crisis Line by providing crisis intervention, counseling, education, safety planning, and referrals to callers.
- Conduct and approve intake and eligibility evaluations to determine guest’s needs and appropriateness for services at the Safe House.
- Interact with guests in the community areas of the house and role model social skills, conflict resolution, parenting and other skills of daily living (this may include time management, self-care, conflict and stress management, parenting, budgeting and others).
- Supervise and coordinate activities related to house policies and chores.
- Identify guest needs and communicate these needs to the responsible staff member to secure donations and services.
- Ensure building is safe and secure, reporting any concerns to appropriate personnel.
- Maintain timely, accurate records including up-to-date client files, statistics report, and census.
- Update daily roster and shift reports.
- Assist with meals and mealtime during the shift.
- Assist in processing and storing donations as requested.
- Attend and participate in supervision, weekly group meetings, and other meetings as required.
- Conduct, attend, and participate in appropriate training and education.
- Immediately report child abuse to Department of Children and Family Services as mandated by law and in accordance with agency procedures.
- Work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
Requirements :
- Associates degree in social service, counseling, or closely related field, or equivalent job experience required.
- 40-hour domestic violence training and CPR / First Aid preferred.
- ICDVP credential preferred.
- Food Safety and Sanitation Certification preferred.
- Bilingual skills (Spanish, Polish, or Russian) preferred.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- 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.
- 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, and occasionally standing for extended periods.