Emergency Residential Shelter Advocate, 1st Shift (Tuesday - Saturday)

Company: A Safe Place Career Opportunities
Location: Waukegan
Posted on: February 27, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: BEFORE YOU APPLY Location & Eligibility Requirements This position is based in Lake County, Illinois (not Cook County). Candidates must reside within 25-30 miles of Waukegan, IL, to ensure timely response and in-person collaboration. On-site work is required; this is not a remote role. Bilingual Spanish and English fluency is required . Applicants without demonstrated proficiency will not be considered. Grant-Funded Position Notice. Employment is contingent upon continued grant funding. Transportation: Must have a reliable vehicle with active auto insurance. About Us 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: Shelter Family Advocate As a Shelter Family Advocate, you will provide immediate support and advocacy to survivors in our emergency shelter. You’ll ensure their safety, empower their independence, and foster a compassionate and secure environment. Key Responsibilities: Develop safety plans and manage cases to provide comprehensive client support. Offer crisis counseling, advocacy, and connections to community resources. Assist with legal referrals, DHS benefits, and education on domestic violence laws. Manage shelter operations, engage in community building, and handle donations. Conduct client evaluations and maintain accurate records. Mentor volunteers, build local agency relationships, and provide post-shelter support. Commit to supporting survivors and fostering a violence-free society. Engage clients authentically while maintaining clear boundaries. Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds Align practices with professional ethics, such as the NASW Code of Ethics. Work effectively as part of the team; collaborating effectively across the organization. Actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and team activities. Perform other organizational and program-related duties as assigned. Complete IMCANS certification, 40-hour Domestic Violence, and other required training. Requirements: What You’ll Bring: Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related field. Bilingual Spanish fluency is required. Familiarity with domestic violence dynamics and survivor challenges. Experience in crisis intervention, case management, or advocacy. Strong trauma-informed skills, communication, and conflict resolution abilities. Effective time management, organizational, and prioritization skills. Familiarity with electronic medical records is a plus. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and active auto insurance are required. What You’ll Experience: Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Professional office settings and secure shelters. 70% direct service commitment (60% for supervisors). Active participation in 70% of staff meetings. Commitment to 2–4-hour shifts for holiday shelter coverage, as needed. Travel may be required for supply pickups, outreach, and training. Occasional lifting to 20 pounds, navigating stairs, or moving across facilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as needed. Compensation & Benefits: Hourly Rate: $20–$25 per hour, paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods). 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; Employee Assistance Program; and a company-paid lunch break. Other Roles: While benefits are not included, part-time, intern, and contractor positions offer valuable experience and flexibility. Why Join Us? Be a part of a mission-driven team transforming lives daily. Contribute to fostering independence and stability for survivors. Gain professional experience in a compassionate, collaborative environment. Commitment to Inclusion: A Safe Place is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and supports an inclusive work environment. 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.

Keywords: A Safe Place Career Opportunities, Orland Park , Emergency Residential Shelter Advocate, 1st Shift (Tuesday - Saturday), Healthcare , Waukegan, Illinois