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 servicesProvide trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy, including emotional support, active listening, and crisis interventionConduct intakes and orient new shelter residents to program expectations and communal living guidelinesCollaborate with clients to develop individualized service plans, identify barriers, and support progress toward goals related to housing, safety, and stabilityEngage in ongoing safety planning with clients to reduce risk and support long-term safetyAccurately collect, classify, and enter data into InfoNet and other required systems in accordance with agency policies and funding requirementsReview documentation for completeness and follow up with staff as needed to ensure data accuracy and complianceMaintain accurate, timely, and objective documentation of all client interactions, services, referrals, and incidents in accordance with agency policies and funding requirementsMaintain a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of community resources to provide appropriate referrals and advocacyMonitor the shelter environment to ensure safety, address concerns, and respond to emergencies in coordination with staff and emergency personnelSupport a respectful and structured communal living environment by modeling appropriate behavior and addressing conflicts using de-escalation techniquesMaintain cleanliness and organization of shelter units, offices, and communal areas, including routine and deep cleaning responsibilitiesComplete regular house checks and ensure adherence to shelter guidelines and program protocolsAssist with basic operational and clerical tasks, including filing, organizing, managing supplies, and sorting mailParticipate in cross-training and provide coverage for outreach offices as neededProvide domestic violence education to clients and community members in various settingsAdditional Responsibilities
Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, and strict confidentiality standardsMaintain professional and ethical boundaries with clients at all timesCommunicate effectively with team members across shifts to ensure continuity of careCollaborate with community partners, including courts, hospitals, and social service agenciesConduct outreach and maintain relationships with referral sourcesParticipate in required trainings, staff meetings, and supervisionServe as a mandated reporter and comply with all reporting requirementsDemonstrate cultural responsiveness and provide inclusive services to individuals from diverse backgroundsPerform other duties as assigned by supervisorQualifications
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 skillsAbility to manage multiple tasks and respond effectively in high-stress situationsDemonstrated ability to maintain accurate documentation and data entryProficiency in Microsoft Office and other agency-required systemsAbility to work independently and collaboratively within a teamExperience working with diverse populations and a commitment to equity and inclusionSuccessful 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 travelAbility to pass background check and drug screeningAvailability for on-call, holiday rotation, and flexible schedulingBenefits
· 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.orgSend 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.
Company DescriptionFreedom House provides compassionate, confidential, and free services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as community outreach, prevention education, and professional training.Company DescriptionFreedom House provides compassionate, confidential, and free services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as community outreach, prevention education, and professional training. Read Less
