Description
WINGS Program is looking for a driven, empathetic multitasker for our House Advocate position!
ABOUT WINGS PROGRAM, INC.
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 are able to 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.
In order to reach our goal of providing all the tools and support needed to ensure that families can move towards safety, independence, and self-sufficiency, we have to hire top talent who share our values and vision. In order to attract and retain such individuals, we offer competitive pay, rich benefits, and positive work culture.
At WINGS, our mission is to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence. Our House Advocates are an essential part of that mission by providing crisis intervention, informal counseling, education, safety planning, and referrals to callers on the crisis line.
As a House Advocate, you are one of the first points of contact for an individual or family in crisis. House Advocates are responsible for conducting and approving intake & eligibility evaluations to determine a client's needs and appropriateness for services at the Safe House. You would help to role model social skills, conflict resolution, and other skills of daily living that are key to building a foundation for victims to not only live, but thrive after 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.
Qualifications:
- Associate degree in social service, 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.
Please refer to the company's website or job descriptions to learn more about them.