ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CRISIS RESPONSE in Libertyville, Illinois at A Safe Place

Department: Crisis Response

Reports To: Chief Crisis Response Officer

Location: Libertyville, IL | Multi-site (Lake County)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; on-call required, including evenings, weekends, and crisis response hours

Compensation: $61,000 - $82,000 annually (Pay Grade PG09) | Salary commensurate with experience

About Us

A Safe Place has served as Lake County's leading advocate for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are committed to safety, dignity, and long-term healing for individuals and families impacted by violence.

Every role here matters. Whether you work directly with survivors or support the systems behind the scenes, you are part of a trauma-informed organization building pathways to safety and independence.

About the Role

The Associate Director of Crisis Response (ADCR) oversees the Crisis Housing and Human Trafficking (HT) program areas within the Emergency Crisis Response Department. The ADCR assists adult and child family members affected by domestic violence and/or human trafficking through initial assessment, service plan development, and referrals to needed services. This support may occur at the scene of a crime, immediately after, or on an ongoing basis.

The ADCR reports directly to the Chief Crisis Response Officer (CCRO), serves as backup to other supervisory roles within the department, and works collaboratively across all agency programs. This is a 24/7 on-call position that includes participation in the rotating schedule at multiple off-site shelter locations, including weekends.

What You'll Do

Program Leadership & Supervision

• Oversee the Crisis Housing and Human Trafficking Division, ensuring staff goals and outcomes are met
• Plan, implement, and deliver services including emergency shelter/hotels, housing, and DV/HT services
• Provide outreach and training as needed across program areas
• Provide direct supervision, direction, and support to team members, interns, and volunteers

Crisis Response & Direct Client Services

• Handle emergency calls and serve as a coordination hub for task distribution
• Serve on-call to coordinate with hospitals, police departments, and community partners on DV and HT incidents
• Work as a first responder at shelters, client homes, hospitals, and police departments
• Function as a DV advocate alongside law enforcement, connecting survivors to safety planning and resources
• Conduct intake and develop individualized service and safety plans with assigned clients
• Carry a caseload, provide community referrals, and offer short-term crisis support for incoming clients
• Triage calls from the helpline, hospitals, police, and social service agencies at the Emergency Shelter
• Participate in the rotating on-call schedule for off-site shelters, including weekends

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely client records consistent with agency policies and funding requirements
• Provide clients with information on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Orders of Protection, and stalking laws

Teamwork & Organizational Participation

• Participate in staff meetings, case consultations, and required trainings
• Perform additional responsibilities in support of shelter staff and clients

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, or closely related field with significant related experience
• Experience in crisis response, domestic violence services, or human trafficking advocacy; ability to work on-call and in emergency field settings
• Knowledge of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Human Trafficking Act, mandated reporting, and HIPAA
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, client database/EHR systems, and grant budget spreadsheets
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, or closely related field
• Cross-system collaboration experience; program management and supervisory background
• Bilingual English/Spanish; additional language skills a plus
• Experience with IDHS, VAWA, federal HT grant compliance, or 42 CFR Part 2
• Familiarity with HMIS, LMS, or agency-specific reporting tools

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Stay calm and decisive under pressure in high-stakes, fast-moving crisis situations
• Lead with empathy and hold your team accountable with equal measure
• Are energized by direct client work and systems-level coordination — often in the same day
• Believe in a trauma-informed, empowerment-based approach to survivor services
• Are comfortable navigating across settings, from an office meeting to a hospital ER to an emergency shelter

Work Environment

This position operates across professional office settings, law enforcement agencies, and community partner sites. Employees regularly encounter trauma disclosures and high-stress crises. On-call availability, flexible scheduling, and up to two holiday shifts per year are required.

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; a Flexible Spending Account (FSA); a 401(k) retirement plan; generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays; and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Additional Information

This posting outlines the role's primary responsibilities. A full job description will be provided upon hire.

Medicaid Billing Notice

This position includes Medicaid billing as an essential function. The employee must maintain all credentials required to bill under applicable Medicaid programs, including RSA, MHP, or QMHP designation as required by role and funder.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Pre-employment requirements include DCFS and criminal background checks, fingerprinting, professional reference and license verification, and clearance through the sex offender registry and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Equal Opportunity & Inclusive Hiring Statement

A Safe Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities and are dedicated to providing a respectful environment free from discrimination or harassment.