DOMESTIC ABUSE INTERVENTION SERVICES
Job Description
Job Title:
Shelter Advocate
Job Summary:
The Shelter Advocate is a full time position responsible for providing support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence and their children in the DAIS emergency shelter, including assisting shelter residents with daily living needs and providing general support and shelter coverage. This position also documents services provided to clients through the client records database. Responsibilities also include preparing rooms for new residents, conducting security checks, and attending supervision and team meetings. The Shelter Advocate position is a full time awake position that ensures coverage of the shelter 24/7.
Supervises:
None
Reports To:
Shelter Coordinator
Duties and Responsibilities:
Direct Service
1. Provide trauma-informed direct services to victims of domestic abuse and their children including support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, parenting support, information, and referrals.
2. Assist with the daily living needs of shelter residents.
3. Complete intakes (both direct service and paperwork) within 8 hours of client entering shelter.
4. Provide shelter orientations to clients within 24 hours of client’s entry into shelter.
5. Complete a shelter exit survey with clients leaving shelter as well as required exit paperwork.
6. Facilitate cooperative living, peer support, and residents’ participation in shelter programming.
7. Model and actively promote positive, nurturing interactions between adults and children in shelter.
8. Communicate shelter rules and expectations to residents as outlined in the shelter expectations. Promptly address difficulties or problems that arise per agency protocol.
9. Model non-violent conflict resolution and use non-violent forms of guidance.
10. Take appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining the safety of all residents in conjunction with the Lead Shelter Advocate.
11. Provide direct service to clients on the Help Line between 12:00am and 8:00am, and at other times when Help Line is not covered by a volunteer. Hours may vary.
12. Issue notices to residents for rule violations.
Other Duties
1. Create daily log entries to communicate with co-workers regarding client or program updates.
2. Maintain client files, agency files, statistics, forms, and other record keeping as required.
3. Complete all paperwork and enter it into the client records database by the end of each shift.
4. Complete house security checks as assigned on scheduled shift.
5. Pack client belongings as needed.
6. Clean/sanitize rooms after clients exit. Prepare room for next client.
7. Perform routine chores and cleaning tasks assigned to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the shelter facility.
8. Maintain shelter office space in accordance with Emergency Shelter Program procedures.
General Responsibilities:
1. Adhere to agency policies and work rules, including strict adherence to DAIS confidentiality policies and code of ethics.
2. Maintain agency forms as required.
3. Attend agency meetings as required, including the monthly mandatory shelter team meeting and weekly supervision meetings.
4. Maintain professional boundaries.
5. Attend trainings and continuing education activities as assigned.
6. Promote an atmosphere of extraordinary customer service.
7. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
1. Four year degree in a human services-related field though relevant experience may be substituted for a degree.
2. Bilingual preferred.
3. Experience in a residential setting strongly preferred.
4. Experience working with trauma survivors strongly preferred.
5. Experience in crisis intervention preferred.
6. Ability to perform physical tasks: move objects, bend, lift up to 30 pounds, and walk up and down stairs repeatedly.
Performance Skills:
1. Commitment to the mission, vision and values of the organization.
2. Excellent customer service skills and a commitment to high quality customer service.
3. Knowledge of domestic violence issues.
4. Ability to work with diverse populations.
5. Ability to interact sensitively with traumatized populations and to handle crisis appropriately.
6. Understanding of trauma informed care and empowerment philosophy of advocacy.
7. Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
9. Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
10. Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office.
11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
12. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and high-pressure work environment.
13. Excellent problem solving abilities.
14. Excellent organizational skills.
14. Emotional maturity with sensitivity to the needs of domestic violence victims and their families.
15. Ability to quickly assess volatile situations and use good judgment to resolve or diffuse the situation.
16. Ability to be flexible and effectively manage priorities, multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
17. Ability to think critically, exercise appropriate personal responsibility, and retain a positive outlook amidst challenging circumstances.
Other Requirements:
1. Attend DAIS New Advocate Core Training program.
2. Satisfactory Criminal Background Check.
3. Have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance, and access to a vehicle during work hours.
4. Obtain or maintain account with a financial institution for direct deposit of paychecks.
This position is Non-Exempt
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