Family Advocate - Chicago, United States - Wings Program Inc

Description

Job Description

WINGS Program is looking for a compassionate, motivated, and empathetic individual for our Family Advocate position

At WINGS, our mission is to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence. Our Family Advocates are an essential part of that mission by providing supportive services and case management to families in ways that enhance their life and assist them towards more independent living and wellness.

Objective: To provide supportive services and case management to survivors of domestic violence and homeless men, women, and children, our residents using a strengths-based approach through an empathic and caring atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities:

ServiceDelivery

· Conducts intake interviews.

· Assess each client upon entry to the program for needs and strengths and identify the level of need for parenting training, medical/dental, social, educational needs and support.

· Provides crisis intervention activities with families as necessary.

· Conducts case management activities such as conflict management, budgeting, parenting and life skills.

· Develops a service plan by meeting with clients weekly or as needed to monitor and revise the plan.

· Assists clients in application and follow up of mainstream benefits.

· Provides referrals and resources.

· Assists clients in maintaining long term housing.

· Provides follow-up services as required.

· Collaborates with outside agencies in their work on clients' service plans.

· Provides services in accordance with the ICDVP code of ethics.

SafetyandSecurity

· Responds to security concerns appropriately. Documents observations and actions taken.

· Identifies repairs and/or household needs alongside of Resident. Work with client on life skills to ensure maintenance requests are submitted and repaired as needed.

· Facilitates safety of residents by doing periodic inspections and teaching fire safety within the client's individual apartment.

Administration

· Conduct staffing on a quarterly basis to review eligibility and financial assistance within the PSH and RRH program.

· Participates in Advisory and/or fundraising efforts.

· Completes and maintain case notes and documents service statistics.

· Using the appropriate forms request volunteers and donations as necessary.

· Monitors compliance with WINGS Rights and Responsibilities statement.

· As required, attend community resource meetings to learn of potential resources.

· Completes reports for funders and coordinate with partner agencies.

Immediately report child abuse to Department of Children and Family Services.

· 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.