Street Outreach Advocate

Department: Youth Services

Reports To: Director of Youth Services

Location: North Chicago, IL | Multi-site (Lake County)

Employment Type: Regular Full Time; Hourly

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | On-call crisis response required, including 24/7 availability for shooting incident notifications

Compensation: $24.04 - $32.69 hourly (Pay Grade PG06) | Salary commensurate with experience.

About Us

A Safe Place has served as Lake County's leading advocate for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are committed to safety, dignity, and long-term healing for individuals and families impacted by violence.

Every role here matters. Whether you work directly with survivors or support the systems behind the scenes, you are part of a trauma-informed organization building pathways to safety and independence.

About the Role

The Street Outreach Advocate provides trauma-informed, community-based services to youth, families, and community members impacted by firearm violence in North Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois. This role engages individuals at the highest risk of violence involvement, mediates conflicts to prevent retaliation, and responds to critical incidents as a frontline part of A Safe Place's violence prevention mission. The Advocate carries a caseload of up to 15 participants, delivers psychoeducation, and maintains accurate documentation in compliance with grant reporting requirements.

What You'll Do

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Engage individuals and groups at the highest risk of violence involvement within designated community areas
• Conduct outreach in varied settings, including parks, homes, street locations, schools, hospitals, and community centers
• Maintain a caseload of up to 15 participants
• Build and sustain resource partnerships and referral networks to promote community stability

Crisis Response & Incident Support

• Respond to critical incidents, including fatal and non-fatal shootings, to de-escalate tension and prevent retaliatory violence
• Participate in on-call crisis response, including in-person response and required incident documentation
• Provide immediate hospital-based support and advocacy for individuals impacted by violence
• Mediate and resolve conflicts within designated community areas

Direct Client Services

• Conduct client assessments and develop case plans addressing identified needs
• Provide trauma-informed support to victims, families, and community members
• Deliver violence prevention psychoeducation to youth, families, and community members
• Make referrals to non-emergency services and community supports to promote client stability

Documentation & Compliance

• Track outreach activities, engagements, and services through required logs
• Enter timely and accurate case notes and program data for grant reporting
• Assist with grant-related documentation, metrics tracking, audits, and required reporting
• Complete all required training and technical assistance associated with grant-funded programming

Team Collaboration & Community Participation

• Support Victim Advocates and Case Managers through service guidance and documentation support
• Participate in peace-building activities including restorative justice practices, peace circles, and community events
• Engage with community partners and attend community meetings and initiatives
• Attend required department meetings, staff meetings, client reviews, and training sessions

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in victim services, community outreach, crisis intervention, case management, or advocacy; demonstrated ability to respond to acts of violence through an on-call component
• Bilingual in Spanish required
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles, domestic violence dynamics, and survivor challenges
• Knowledge of mandated reporting and HIPAA
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365; familiarity with client database or EHR systems
• Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and active auto insurance required
• Candidates must reside within a 30-mile commuting radius of Lake County, IL or be able to relocate prior to start date; this role is fully on-site

Preferred

• Bilingual in additional languages is a plus
• Experience with IDHS, violence prevention, or related grant compliance
• Familiarity with electronic medical records, HMIS, or agency-specific reporting tools
• Experience with restorative justice practices or peace-building programming

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Are energized by community-based, relationship-driven work and not deterred by field environments or unpredictable schedules
• Have strong conflict mediation skills and the composure to respond calmly in high-stress or volatile situations
• Are deeply committed to racial equity, cultural responsiveness, and centering the voices of those most impacted by violence
• Can balance direct crisis response with accurate, timely documentation and grant reporting
• Thrive in a collaborative team environment while working with independence in the field

Work Environment

This position is fully community-based across North Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois, with outreach activities occurring in parks, schools, hospitals, street locations, and other community sites. Employees regularly encounter trauma disclosures and high-stress crisis situations. On-call availability, flexible scheduling, including evenings and late-night hours, are required for this role.

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; a Flexible Spending Account (FSA); a 401(k) retirement plan; generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays; and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Additional Information

This posting outlines the role's primary responsibilities. A full job description will be provided upon hire.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Pre-employment requirements include DCFS and criminal background checks, fingerprinting, professional reference and license verification, and clearance through the sex offender registry and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Equal Opportunity & Inclusive Hiring Statement

A Safe Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities and are dedicated to providing a respectful environment free from discrimination or harassment.