Shifts include: Weeknights: 5 PM – 9 AM and on Weekends: 9 AM- 9 PM and 9 PM – 9 AM.

SUMMARY

Advocate on behalf of sexual assault and domestic violence/abuse survivors with law enforcement, criminal justice and emergency department personnel. Deliver first responder services to victims and significant others via the 24-hour hotline on nights and/or weekends.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide crisis intervention to survivors and their significant others.
• Provide information and referral services via the program’s 24-hour hotline.
• Provide in-person medical advocacy and support as requested at area hospitals where the program has service agreements.
• Act as liaison between victim and person(s) involved in the investigatory process, i.e., police, DCFS, state’s attorney, ER nurse or physician.
• Provide criminal justice advocacy, accompanying victims and significant others to local police departments in order to provide support and to act as liaison between victim and police personnel, as warranted.
• Facilitate the victim in accessing the assistance they are requesting from service institutions such as court, police, DCFS, hospital.
• Engage in respectful, professional interactions with players in the criminal justice system, emergency room personnel, rape crisis center staffs in order to deliver services in the best interest of the victim and her/his non-offending significant others.
• Document and maintain service statistics and client files and case notes in compliance with policies and procedures of Pillars Community Health Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Services. Turn in service statistics and case notes to data entry worker on a weekly basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned to accomplish the program’s goals and objectives for this position.
• Participate in training and awareness activities during Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Awareness Months.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or Criminal Justice, or equivalent combination of education and human services or criminal justice experience preferred. Illinois 60-hour sexual assault/domestic violence training preferred. Experience working with survivors of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault is preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid IL driver’s license, personal vehicle, and vehicle insurance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and listen to adults, children and adolescents. Employee must travel to seven area hospitals and the office at Hickory Hills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees must perform their duties in a professional, respectful manner as guests of the respective hospital emergency rooms and as a representative of Pillars Community Health. At the same time, employees must adhere to the philosophy and mission of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Services to uphold the safety and confidentiality of survivors.

While performing in this job, the employee is likely to be exposed to disturbing descriptions of sexual and physical violence, emotional and verbal abuse and to encounters with women and children who have visible injuries and bruises resulting from the assault.