Victim Services Advocate (Bilingual)

Description

About Us

A Safe Place has been a beacon of hope in Lake County, empowering survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking to rebuild their lives. Join our mission to provide safety, foster independence, and create brighter futures.

Our Youth Empowerment and Healing Program fosters resilience and growth in young survivors of domestic violence through comprehensive support, empowering activities, and healing-focused initiatives.

Your role: Victim Services Advocate

As the Victim Services Advocate, you'll provide immediate and ongoing support to individuals and families affected by community violence in North Chicago and Waukegan, offering direct services from crisis intervention at the scene to comprehensive advocacy and wraparound support. Additionally, you'll engage in prevention and intervention activities, collaborating closely with all programs to ensure a cohesive service approach.

What you’ll be doing:

• Respond to community violence incidents within one hour of notification.
• Provide immediate support to victims and families at hospitals, medical examiners or police stations.
• Meet families immediately after incidents at hospitals or police stations.
• Offer continuous advocacy and wraparound services to ensure their ongoing needs are met.
• Conduct assessments to determine crisis counseling and immediate client needs.
• Connect clients to services and provide trauma-informed counseling as required.
• Assist with funeral arrangements and document gathering after tragic events.
• Link individuals to resources such as therapy, legal aid, and benefits services.
• Provide trauma-informed screenings, psychoeducation, and psychological first aid services.
• Offer resource navigation, service linkage, and trauma-specific therapy tailored to individual needs.
• Implement safety protocols and self-care plans for staff well-being.
• Address secondary trauma concerns and provide necessary support to impacted staff.
• Work with councils, outreach programs, and stakeholders to reduce violence.
• Participate in required meetings, training sessions, and collaborative planning activities.
• Gather and maintain accurate data on program performance and client outcomes.
• Submit detailed performance reports quarterly, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds
• Align practices with professional ethics, such as the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Work effectively as part of the team and collaborate effectively across the organization.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and team activities.
• Perform other organizational and program-related duties as assigned.
• Complete IM+CANS certification, 40-hour Domestic Violence, and other required training.

Requirements

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, or related field.
• Bilingual Spanish is required.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of extensive experience in victim services, with the capability to respond immediately to acts of violence through an on-call component, will be highly considered.
• Familiarity with domestic violence dynamics and survivor challenges.
• Experience in crisis intervention, case management, or advocacy.
• Strong trauma-informed skills, communication, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Effective time management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Familiarity with electronic medical records is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and active auto insurance required.

What you'll experience:

• Primary Hours & On-Call: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with 24/7 on-call availability to respond to urgent needs and emergencies.
• Professional office settings and secure shelters.
• 70% direct service commitment (60% for supervisors).
• Active participation in 70% of staff meetings.
• Commitment to 2–4-hour shifts for holiday shelter coverage, as needed.
• Travel may be required for client supply pickups, outreach, and training.
• Occasional lifting to 20 pounds, navigating stairs, or moving across facilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as needed.

Compensation:

• Wage: Starting at $26.44 hourly, paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods)

Benefits:

Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; a Flexible Spending Account (FSA); a 401(k) retirement plan; generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays; and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Why Join A Safe Place

• Mission-driven work with direct community impact
• Trauma-informed, collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to advocate for survivors and systemic change
• Meaningful professional development and training opportunities
  

Additional Information

This posting outlines the primary responsibilities of the role. A full job description will be provided upon hire.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Pre-employment requirements include DCFS and criminal background checks, fingerprinting, professional reference and license verification, and clearance through the sex offender registry and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Equal Opportunity & Inclusive Hiring Statement

A Safe Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities and are dedicated to providing a respectful environment free from discrimination or harassment.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position.