Position Details

The Special Populations Survivor Advocate provides comprehensive trauma informed and survivor centered services to survivors of domestic violence. Under the leadership of the Survivor Services Supervisor, they collaborate with their team to meet the goals of providing quality survivor services, increase survivor identification, increase access to services, and increase referrals. The Special Populations Survivor Advocate provides short- and long-term culturally/linguistically appropriate services to promote the health, safety and well-being of survivors of underserved populations with a focus on Immigrant and Limited English Proficiency populations and specific needs.

• Position Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30a-5p
• 40 Hour Salaried Position
• Comprehensive Benefits Offered
• Location: Rock Island County

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure free, voluntary, non-discriminatory, accessible and trauma-informed services for all clients.
• Provide the following services to survivors of domestic violence:
  • On-going advocacy and counseling to adult, adolescent and child survivors and their non-offending family members
  • Utilize appropriate approaches, skills and techniques that reflect an understanding of the affects of trauma, needs of trauma survivors
  • Immediate crisis counseling, safety planning, and information and referral
  • Leadership in the community in communicating the unique experiences and needs of survivors who are seeking medical care, criminal justice intervention, or other services.
  • Support and advocate for survivors and their children during medical exams, law enforcement reporting, investigations and civil and/or criminal court procedures
  • Maintain a working knowledge of hospital and police procedures as they relate to domestic violence
  • Maintain a working knowledge of the child abuse laws and reporting procedures in Illinois
  • On call direct service on a pre-scheduled rotating basis with other staff members outside of normal office hours and as determined necessary.
  • Provide economic advocacy and financial planning assistance
  • Assist survivors with obtaining emergency food, clothing, and transportation assistance, immediate shelter and related supportive services
  • Be knowledgeable of community resources that assist in meeting survivors’ needs and provide appropriate culturally competent referrals to survivors
  • Maintain confidentiality of survivors
• Provide appropriate information using the language or means of communication of the survivor when possible, including ability to access the linguistically appropriate resources to meet non-English speaking clients’ needs
• Build relationships with Immigrant and Limited English Proficiency specific organizations, local churches, and other groups that work with special populations, in an effort to inform all community members about services.
• Maintain an open, flexible schedule to meet the needs of the community, survivors, and program.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with individuals and community members.
• Complete annual continuing education requirements governed by the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Possess the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner while appreciating the unique contribution of individuals from varied culture, race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
• Demonstrate civil and respectful behaviors valued within the organization.
• Attend essential community meetings as determined.
• Provide and accept ideas and suggestions in a constructive and helpful manner.
• Exhibit good teamwork; is approachable cooperative and contributes to an overall positive and productive work/team environment
• Take initiative in problem solving and utilize resources such as team members and community resources to assist in addressing client/volunteer issues that arise.
• Provide support and input to team members that is helpful in finding solutions and allows for a team approach to removing barriers and solving challenges.
• Possess the ability to utilize existing resources and learn to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals/needs.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior in diverse situations while producing results.
• Set clear expectations for self and team to achieve work objectives and overcome obstacles.
• Strive for excellence in performance by upholding established ethical standards and upholding program values.
• Complete documentation for all funding sources related to the position.
• Enter services delivered into the appropriate database within 72 hours of service delivery.
• Input daily services into the data entry system by the noted deadline each week.
• Assess effectiveness of services provided and make adjustments to service delivery if needed.
• Understand the issues related to the decision making process; ability to analyze situations fully and accurately, and reach productive decisions.
• Utilize feedback from various sources in order to improve the quality of services offered. Sources such as survey, volunteer, community, and team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent survivor services experience.

3 years of experience working in human services field with survivor services experience preferred.

Must have current proof of car insurance, able to pass driving background check and have reliable transportation.

Bilingual and/or bi-cultural applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

About Family Resources

At Family Resources, we believe in strengthening children, families, and individuals in our community - it's the passion that permeates everything we do. Family Resources has grown to become one of the state's largest agencies devoted to child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, and survivor services. We recognize that these children, families, and individuals come to us from a variety of circumstances, which makes it important for us to reach them where they are right now.

Family Resources offers a comprehensive benefits package, excellent wages, and opportunities for growth & advancement!

Equal Opportunity Employer that thrives on Diversity!