CVI Victim Advocate / Peer Recovery Specialist

$40,000 - $45,000/Yr

Joliet Township Government - Joliet, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Joliet, IL

About the position

The Victim Advocate and Peer Recovery Specialist plays a vital role in the Greater Illinois Reimagine Violence Prevention Services program, focusing on the needs of individuals and families affected by community violence. This position combines trauma-informed advocacy with peer recovery support and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group facilitation, aiming to empower participants and foster healing through culturally responsive care.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, in-person crisis intervention immediately following incidents of community violence.
• Support victims and families during critical moments, such as hospital visits, court appearances, and interactions with law enforcement.
• Assist with funeral planning, victim compensation claims, and other essential post-crisis needs.
• Develop safety plans and offer emotional de-escalation to help participants regain stability.
• Build trust with participants by leveraging lived experience and providing peer-based coaching.
• Guide participants through structured CBT-based interventions to process trauma and develop emotional regulation skills.
• Facilitate weekly peer support groups focused on recovery, community building, and emotional healing.
• Lead trauma-informed CBT group sessions for high-risk individuals, using culturally relevant approaches.
• Create a safe, inclusive environment for participants to share experiences and practice CBT techniques.
• Manage a caseload of up to 25 participants, providing regular follow-ups and referrals to wraparound services.
• Coordinate access to critical services such as mental health support, housing assistance, and employment opportunities.
• Document all interactions in detailed case logs and program reports, tracking outcomes and progress.
• Work closely with healthcare providers and community-based organizations to deliver holistic care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of participant interactions and program milestones.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred.
• 1+ years of experience in victim advocacy, peer recovery support, trauma-informed services, or violence prevention.
• Demonstrated experience working with underserved or high-risk populations.
• Bilingual (Spanish) is strongly preferred.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in word processing and spreadsheets.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

Nice-to-haves

• Certification in Peer Recovery or CBT group facilitation (or willingness to obtain certification within six months of hire).

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance