Primary Function: As a part of Safe Harbor’s Shelter Team, this position will work to strengthen service delivery and maintain the operation of the shelter program. As its primary function, the Shelter Advocate will provide support, advocacy, resource coordination and referral to survivors of domestic violence residing in Safe Harbor’s shelter program. This position is responsible for safety planning, crisis intervention, goal setting, resource coordination, and planning and facilitating domestic violence education and support groups for survivors. The Shelter Advocate works collaboratively with both internal and external programs and agencies to meet the various needs of survivors. This is a full time hourly, nonexempt position eligible for full benefits.
Reports To: Shelter Advocacy Coordinator
Job Responsibilities
Complete trauma informed client intake and assessment to determine appropriateness for shelter program and identify the best course of action to meet survivor’s needs.
Work with survivors to create, implement, monitor, and update individualized safety plans.
Provide trauma informed advocacy, referrals, education, and support to survivors of domestic violence. Assist survivors with obtaining assistance with basic needs, including, but not limited to housing, employment, legal and medical resources.
Assist with coordination of services for children, youth and families residing in shelter, including, but not limited to parenting support, childcare resources, and assistance with school enrollments.
Facilitate and lead discussions and/or groups with clients aimed at developing an understanding of trauma, promotion of healthy relationships and strength building, as well as increasing overall knowledge base of life skills and community supports.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local community agencies, service providers, and community resources that are regularly utilized by survivors of domestic violence.
Maintain a current guide of community resources, assist survivors with navigating referrals, and establishing access points to needed services.
Observe all standards of confidentiality, maintain client database, and ensure accurate and detailed documentation of client files, administration of client surveys, and timely submission of monthly statistics report.
Assist with day-to-day shelter operation by creating a shelter culture that exemplifies teamwork and respect; promotes safety; responds to client concerns and challenges in a trauma informed manner; and strives to create a caring and inclusive environment marked by empathy, understanding, and acceptance.
Attend staff, team and supervisory meeting as scheduled.
Attend community and state meetings and participate as a representative of Safe Harbor.
Lend support to the training of volunteers who assist in achieving Safe Harbor objectives.
Lend enthusiastic support to agency policies, events, and to fellow co-workers.
To assume such other duties as assigned by the Shelter Advocacy Coordinator or Director of Housing and Shelter Advocacy.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or Associate Degree in Human Services or related field with 1 year experience preferred.
- Ability to work with diverse individuals in an empathetic and nonjudgmental manner, demonstrated respect for others’ experiences, language, culture, and knowledge.
- Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to navigate multiple priorities in a crisis-oriented environment.
- Commitment to teamwork and collaboration
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exercise good judgement.
- Ability to navigate and handle complicated situations.
- Ability to manage confidential information in an appropriate manner.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including some evening work.
- Good verbal and written skills in English
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and G-Suite
- Possession of a valid SC Driver’s License and /or reliable transportation
- Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence and demonstrated track record in advocacy preferred.
- Knowledge of the group process and the ability to lead and organize a wide variety of group formats preferred.
- Public speaking experience preferred.
- Ability to speak and write English and Spanish A Plus
