Advocate (Medical, Legal, Paralegal, Sexual Assault)

ONLY APPLICATIONS WITH RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS SENT TO PREVAILIL@PREVAILIL.ORG WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Position Title: Advocate

Department: Advocacy

Reports to: Director of Advocacy

Primary Work Location: Charleston

Number of Positions Open: 1

Employment Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Established in 1977, Prevail Illinois (formerly SACIS and CAISA) is an independent, not‐for‐profit organization dedicated to the healing and empowerment of sexual assault survivors (and significant others) through non‐judgmental crisis intervention counseling, individual and group counseling, and medical and legal advocacy in Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, southern Clark, Edwards, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland, and Wabash Counties. We also provide prevention education, public education and institutional advocacy in order to improve the treatment of sexual assault survivors and to effect positive change in policies and public attitudes toward sexual assault.

BENEFITS

• Medical (PPO), Dental, and Vision covered at 90% by employer. 
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• Generous Holiday (15 days), Vacation (20 days/year in the first four years, 25 in the fifth year and beyond), and Sick time (12 days/year, accrual up to 60 days).
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• Salary Ranges: $35,000-$38,000 per year with additional pay for hospital call-outs
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• Mileage reimbursement at a rate of $0.67/mile
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• Paid lunch hour.
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• Opportunity for ongoing education, CEU support.
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• We are engaged in creating a healthy work life balance.
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• You will be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values your contribution and respects your expertise.

Persons of color and LGBTQ persons are encouraged to apply. Prevail Illinois understands that historically oppressed populations are statistically less likely to apply to positions if they don’t meet all of the preferred criteria above. We would like you to know that Prevail Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual, gender and/or romantic expression, national origin, or disability in its procedures and policies. Please apply if you are passionate about ending sexual violence and believe you would be a great addition to our team. If you feel that our criteria listed above are limiting and/or inequitable, please contact us so we can learn more about ways to improve.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide on-call coverage for assigned and rotating shifts as part of the 24-hour crisis hotline. This involves evenings and some weekends.
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• Provide crisis intervention, information, and referrals via the SACIS 
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• Office through telephone and in-person contacts.
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• Adhere to agency and departmental documentation submission requirements.
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• Attend all staff/supervision/case consultation meetings, attend advocacy in-services, and participate in staff development activities.
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• Participate in meetings/training for local and statewide sexual assault coalitions, institutional partners, and other agencies, as assigned.

Advocacy Duties

• Respond to requests for advocacy services as assigned
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• Provide services to walk-in clients
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• Complete intake paperwork and appropriate advocacy paperwork.
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• Provide medical advocacy during daytime office hours when necessary.
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• Provide court support to clients when necessary.
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• Provide crisis intervention, when necessary.
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• Maintain advocacy files.
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• Abides by the Prevail Illinois Policies and Procedures and the ICASA Service Standards

Case Management Duties

• Work with clients in caseloads to develop strengths-based, goal-orientated service plans to support clients on their path to stability, self-sufficiency, and integration
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• Complete client intakes and assessments.
• Provide assistance with life skills, advocacy, and other direct services as necessary.
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• Adhere to the agency's policies and procedures to assure client safety and confidentiality.
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• Participates in providing “on call” services on the 24-hour crisis hotline as a part of a staff rotation.
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• Provide support and resources for clients.
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• Maintain a good working relationship with support networks, government resources, and community resources.

REQUIREMENTS

• BA/BS or equivalent in a related field preferred. AS/AA with related work experience required.
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• One year of experience in crisis work, case management, social work or a related field required
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• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher preferred
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• Proficiency in Google Workspace
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• Excellent interpersonal skills
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• Ability to objectively advocate for the needs/rights of others
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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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• Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as with a team
• Proactive approach to problem-solving
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• Access to transportation, valid driver’s license and proof of insurance for effective service delivery
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• Ability to arrive at the hospital in your primary service area within one hour of receiving a call.
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• Previous experience working on human rights issues, addressing sexual violence/ gender-based violence, and working with historically oppressed communities strongly preferred.
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• Completion of a minimum of 40-hours of sexual assault training (provided by Prevail Illinois) within 60 days of hire is required; the previous completion of the training is strongly preferred.
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• Attend a minimum of 15 hours of training per year after the first year of employment which will include 3 hours of training related to privilege, oppression, racial justice, equity, and/or inclusion.
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APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Submit a cover letter describing your interest in the position and in working at Prevail Illinois and resume to Ky Newsome, Director of Advocacy (prevailil@prevailil.org)
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• ONLY APPLICATIONS WITH COVER LETTERS SENT TO PREVAILIL@PREVAILIL.ORG WILL BE CONSIDERED.
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• Selected candidates will be interviewed by a committee of Prevail IL staff and/or Board of Directors’ members.
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APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until position is filled

STARTING DATE: As soon as possible

PREVAIL ILLINOIS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Required qualifications:

• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• 18 years or older
• At least associate's degree or higher
• Reliable transportation to and from work
• Own a personal vehicle
• Valid driver's license
• Valid auto liability insurance
• Background check
• Has (or willing to open) a checking account for direct deposit
• Willing to travel in state