1) Provides crisis intervention, problem solving, and short-term counseling to Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing survivors/victims of domestic violence, either in the office or at agreed-upon locations in the community.
2) Refers survivors/victims to appropriate community resources for services such as emergency shelter, long-term counseling, and housing assistance, and provides on-going support through case management.
3) Ensures communication access to all related services including medical services and to police and court proceedings, usually through the use of sign language interpreters.
4) Advocates on behalf of survivor/victim to ensure his/her rights and interests are protected within the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and in interaction with other service providers.
5) Educates survivors/victims about their rights and responsibilities in order to encourage self-advocacy. When necessary, accompanies survivors/victims to court, meetings with police, lawyers and other service providers.
6) Develops flyers/brochures and other written materials about the Domestic Violence Program and victims’ rights.
7) Arranges and/or develops and presents educational programs and exhibits to Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing individuals, service providers, police departments.
8) Implements data collection procedures to document service delivery and demographic information about survivors/victims of domestic violence.
9) Responsible for reporting according to state and private funding and assists with grant and contract writing as needed.
10) Coordinates the Income Tax Assistance program.
11) Provides advocacy, case management, and information and referrals to clients and the general public.
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12) Performs social services & advocacy duties as assigned, including assisting clients with advocacy and discrimination issues.
13) Provides Youth Program support including providing case management, advocacy, intake, services and programming in the home, community and school; facilitating schedules and activities of Deaf Mentors; and assisting with grant writing, preparation, data collection and reporting.
14) Performs other related duties as assigned.