Emergency Shelter Family Advocate (Overnight) [ASP108]

For over 46 years, 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.

As part of our team, you’ll transform lives daily—whether by directly supporting survivors or building the systems that sustain our work. Together, we create a resilient community where every survivor finds hope, safety, and the strength to thrive.

Your Role: Emergency Shelter Family Advocate (Overnight)

As the Overnight Advocate, you will provide critical overnight support for survivors of domestic violence and their children in shelter, offering advocacy, education, data entry, and crisis intervention services. You’ll respond to the crisis line, conduct intake assessments, and help maintain a safe, trauma-informed environment during overnight hours. This role is essential to our shelter’s 24/7 commitment to survivor safety and empowerment. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide crisis intervention and referrals for telephone callers on the crisis line
• Conduct intake and eligibility evaluations for new shelter residents
• Perform timely and accurate data entry for client files, legal documents, and process notes
• Complete IM+CANS training and conduct assessments for clients needing mental health services
• Educate residents on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Orders of Protection, and stalking laws
• Offer appropriate internal and external referrals based on client needs
• Interact with clients in shared spaces, modeling respectful communication and life skills
• Use a trauma-informed and non-judgmental approach to provide DV education and support
• Conduct regular facility walk-throughs and ensure alarms are set according to protocol
• Attend and participate in training sessions and team meetings as required
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Shelter Services

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or related field 
• OR High school diploma/GED with 2 years of experience in social services and domestic violence
• Bilingual Spanish fluency is preferred.
• Familiarity with domestic violence dynamics and survivor challenges
• Experience in crisis response, advocacy, or shelter-based services 
• Experience in housing placement, case management, or advocacy
• Commitment to fostering a violence-free, collaborative society
• Awareness of the unique challenges faced by diverse survivor populations
• Strong trauma-informed communication and conflict resolution skills
• Cultural competence and allyship for LGBTQIA and BIPOC DV survivors
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Effective time management, organizational, and prioritization skills
• Strong computer skills and accurate data entry abilities
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access
• Familiarity with electronic medical records (a plus)
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs and climb stairs to access living quarters and donation storage
• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate office equipment
• Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and active auto insurance

What You’ll Experience:

• Schedule: Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (40 hours/week)
• Professional shelter setting focused on trauma-informed care
• 70% direct service commitment
• Active participation in 70% of staff meetings
• Commitment to 2–4-hour shifts for holiday shelter coverage, as needed
• Occasional lifting, walking between shelter areas, and navigating stairs
• Reasonable accommodations are provided as needed

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly Rate: $20.00 - $24.00 hourly, paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods/year)
• Compensation Factors: Based on grant funding, skills, experience, and expertise
• Full-Time Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending account (FSA); 401(k); paid time off (vacation, sick, personal); Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and a company-paid lunch break

Why Join Us?

• Be the frontline of safety and care for survivors during overnight hours
• Work with a mission-driven team that transforms lives daily
• Gain hands-on experience in trauma-informed shelter and advocacy work

Commitment to Inclusion:

A Safe Place is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and fosters an inclusive workplace for all.

Take the Next Step.

Join A Safe Place and be the difference in someone’s journey to healing and independence. 

Apply today and transform lives — including your own.