Domestic Violence Advocate

Job Title: Domestic Violence (DV) Advocate
Location: Kewanee, IL
Program: Domestic Violence
Reports to: Kewanee Shelter Operations Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Approved/Revised: March 2026

Position Summary

Founded in 1983, Freedom House is a dynamic and growing domestic and sexual violence agency headquartered in Princeton, IL, with satellite offices in Geneseo, Kewanee, Cambridge, and Lacon, and shelters located in both Princeton and Kewanee.

This position is based at the Kewanee shelter and is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the facility. As a front-line staff member, the Domestic Violence Advocate is often the first point of contact for clients, community members, and partner agencies. This role requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to respond effectively in high-stress and crisis situations.

The Domestic Violence Advocate provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered services, maintains a safe and structured shelter environment, and represents Freedom House in a professional and compassionate manner to support the agency’s mission.

This position requires in-person training in Princeton, IL. Applicants must be able to travel to Princeton to complete required training.

Shift positions available:

• Second (3:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.)
• Third (11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.)

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial point of contact by greeting visitors, answering crisis and administrative calls, assessing needs, and connecting individuals to appropriate services
• Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy, including emotional support, active listening, and crisis intervention
• Conduct intakes and orient new shelter residents to program expectations and communal living guidelines
• Collaborate with clients to develop individualized service plans, identify barriers, and support progress toward goals related to housing, safety, and stability
• Engage in ongoing safety planning with clients to reduce risk and support long-term safety
• Accurately collect, classify, and enter data into InfoNet and other required systems in accordance with agency policies and funding requirements
• Review documentation for completeness and follow up with staff as needed to ensure data accuracy and compliance
• Maintain accurate, timely, and objective documentation of all client interactions, services, referrals, and incidents in accordance with agency policies and funding requirements
• Maintain a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of community resources to provide appropriate referrals and advocacy
• Monitor the shelter environment to ensure safety, address concerns, and respond to emergencies in coordination with staff and emergency personnel
• Support a respectful and structured communal living environment by modeling appropriate behavior and addressing conflicts using de-escalation techniques
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of shelter units, offices, and communal areas, including routine and deep cleaning responsibilities
• Complete regular house checks and ensure adherence to shelter guidelines and program protocols
• Assist with basic operational and clerical tasks, including filing, organizing, managing supplies, and sorting mail
• Participate in cross-training and provide coverage for outreach offices as needed
• Provide domestic violence education to clients and community members in various settings

Additional Responsibilities

• Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, and strict confidentiality standards
• Maintain professional and ethical boundaries with clients at all times
• Communicate effectively with team members across shifts to ensure continuity of care
• Collaborate with community partners, including courts, hospitals, and social service agencies
• Conduct outreach and maintain relationships with referral sources
• Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, and supervision
• Serve as a mandated reporter and comply with all reporting requirements
• Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and provide inclusive services to individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in social/human services or at least one year of experience in a related field (preferred)
• 63.5 Domestic/Sexual Violence Training as required by ICADV/ICASA (preferred)
• CDVP License (preferred)
• Bilingual (preferred)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and respond effectively in high-stress situations
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate documentation and data entry
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other agency-required systems
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Experience working with diverse populations and a commitment to equity and inclusion
• Successful completion of a 60-hour Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault training through an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional-approved site (provided upon hire)
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and ability to travel
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening
• Availability for on-call, holiday rotation, and flexible scheduling

Benefits

· 401(k) equivalent with one-to-one employer match up to 2% of gross wages

· Health Insurance

· HSA in line with HDHP Health Insurance election

· Dental Insurance

· Vision Insurance

· Life AD&D Insurance

· Short-Term Disability Insurance

· Paid Time Off (up to 15 days in first year of employment)

· Sick Days Allowance (up to 5 days in first year of employment)

· Paid Holidays (15)

Pay Range

· Annual Salary - $41,600

Application Process

• Submit the Freedom House application from our website: www.freedomhouseillinois.org
• Send resume and cover letter via email to hiring manager listed in the application on our website

Incomplete applications and those without a resume or cover letter will not be considered.

Freedom House does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status or sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Freedom House will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with known disabilities unrelated to the ability to perform one’s job unless doing so would result in undue hardship to the organization. Job requirements may include remaining in a stationary position 75% of the time, moving to accomplish filing and clerical duties, operating technology items such as a computer, laptop, phone, and other similar devices, the ability to communicate information and ideas accurately and effectively so others will understand, observing details at close range (within a few feet of the observer), moving equipment in boxes that may weigh up to 30 pounds across office and outside locations for various needs, the ability to ascend and descend stairs as required within the workplace, and the ability to work in outdoor weather conditions. Employment with Freedom House is employment-at-will, meaning it is voluntarily entered into and may be terminated at any time, without or with cause, by the employee or by Freedom House. Posting this notice does create a commitment by Freedom House to fill the position.