Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want to unleash your purpose and potential?

Come join our dynamic social service enterprise as we help over 200,000 individuals across the Chicagoland area.

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is the oldest and largest women’s organization in the region, with a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. To learn more about the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, please visit our website at https://ywcachicago.org.

The Advocate provides the support needed by sexual assault survivors that enables them to make informed decisions regarding issues which range from reporting of the assault through treatment choices, etc. The Advocate is responsible for providing crisis intervention for the survivors and their significant others and provides various means of on-going support. The Advocate engages in community relationships to promote knowledge and collaborations. The Advocate actively supports the promotion of synergy across YWCA programs and in Racial Justice work.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Services: Participate in the provision of on-call services during the work-day, overnight and weekends. Provide all member services to victims of sexual violence and their non-offending significant others. Participate in the provision of twenty-four hour telephone, and in-person, crisis intervention services. Provide initial and on-going support to members; provide victim, referral and advocacy information by telephone hotline; provide information through medical and criminal justice programs. Represent the YWCA by maintaining professional standards and ethics.

Community Training & Institutional Advocacy: Develop and implement professional training for medical, criminal justice and social service personnel, regarding non-judgmental service provision to victims of sexual violence. Promote and encourage community sensitivity to sexual assault issues. Conduct presentations and trainings for community groups and other organizations. Interact with first responders in the community to develop and to implement victim-centric policies.

Administrative Tasks: Complete required statistical reports. Maintain records for all relevant areas of direct service and volunteer program.

Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Retention: Participate in the coordination and supervision of volunteer programs, including: volunteer recruitment and screening; training, development and continuing education; and scheduling. Maintain volunteer group records; conduct exit interviews as required. Develop and sustain recognition programs for Volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of six months to a year of experience working in sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking or other trauma-related services is required; a longer period of experience is preferred. Previous training in sexual assault and/or related issues is preferred. Experience as an employee, or as a volunteer, for other nonprofit organization(s) is advantageous.

Demonstrated skills for the position relate to collaboration, communication and skilled public speaking abilities; prior experience in community engagement is advantageous. The Advocate must have the ability to diplomatically present information and to work effectively with the public; skills in cultural competency are necessary. Team collaborations require the demonstrated ability to interact with other members of the work group.

The Advocate must possess the ability to effectively manage shifting priorities and to respond effectively to crises and changing circumstances. The Advocate must possess a high tolerance for chaos and high-stress situations, with a service orientation. The role requires highly developed skills in working with victims and family members who are in crisis; the ability to work with a diverse member base with understanding of cultural "influencers," without judgment, is necessary.

Professional Training Required: Complete the ICASA forty-hour sexual assault crisis intervention training within ninety days of employment start date (if not completed within the prior two years). Complete sixty hours of adult-specific sexual abuse/assault training within first year of employment (if completed within the prior five years). Complete other continuing education and training as set by YWCA or its funders, in addition to undertaking any needed renewal of 40-hr training.

Note: A bilingual Advocate – must have both conversational and written fluency in the language of the foreign-language only population that is served. Cultural Competency and proficiency in the population’s language and English are required.

EDUCATION REQUIRED: A Bachelor's degree preferred from an accredited college or university, with a major area of study in social work, human services or a related field or a two year Associate’s Degree with three years in social work, human services or a related field.

CERTIFICATION(s) REQUIRED: ICASA 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Certification with-in 90 days of employment start date.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm. This position may require work on some evenings, weekends, and on-call as needed. Schedule can vary depending on the needs of the agency.

Pay Range: $44,000 - $46,920

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Generous amount of PTO & Sick Leave,12 Observed holidays, & Floating Holidays
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short & Long Term Disability Insurance, & 401(k)
• Flexible Benefits - employee, dependent, commuter & HSA
• Employee Assistance Program (24/7)
• YWCA Retirement Fund (after completion of 2 years of service)
• Pet Insurance
• 37.5 hour work week

MANDATORY VACCINATION POLICY DISCLOSURE: YWCA Metropolitan Chicago requires all staff to be “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. An individual is considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after receipt of the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna) or two weeks after receipt of a one-dose vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson). Candidates who are offered a position must provide proof of full vaccination prior to their start date. Individuals in need of an exemption from this policy due to a medical reason or because of a sincerely held religious belief, or as otherwise required by law, must submit a completed Request for Accommodation form to HR.

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

***This job description is not intended to represent a complete list of all duties and responsibilities. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.***