3rd shift Advocate

JOB SUMMARY

Provide direct services to sheltered and non-sheltered domestic violence and sexual assault victims and their families. Services include: a 24-hour crisis line; safe shelter; individual supportive counseling; information and referral; legal, medical, educational, financial and other personal advocacy; emergency transportation to and from shelter; and assistance with securing educational arrangements for sheltered children. Services are client-driven and strength-based. Supervised by Domestic Abuse Program Coordinator.

We’re looking for 1 person to work an average of 32 hours per week on 3rd shift (11 pm - 7 am), including every other weekend, or 2 part time people- 1 could be every other weekend and 1 could be weeknights (weeknights vary).

In addition to Advocate duties, specific duties on 3rd shift include regular checks on sprinkler and fire alarm system, computer work, cleaning, organizing and processing donations, maintaining client files, clerical work, and assisting to maintain office organization. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent

Experience working in a residential facility or with family abuse issues desired.

Must have ability to handle multiple situations simultaneously, attend to details and problem solve

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Ability to work independently, set priorities and be flexible

Valid driver's license

Supportive and non-judgmental  

Ability to help individuals explore options and strategies and problem solve their situations

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Ability to work with persons from diverse backgrounds and multiple issues whose lives are affected by abuse

Computer skills required include basic knowledge of Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, and WINDOWS

HOURS

This position is hourly. Hours may vary from “as-needed” to full-time. Must be available to work flexible hours including evenings, holidays, nights and weekends. Some shifts may be for more than eight (8) hours. May need to fill in when other advocates or volunteers are not available to work.  

JOB DUTIES

• Maintain safety and security of clients, including compliance with the Non-Disclosure statutes and other confidentiality requirements; periodic checks of facility; and accompaniment and monitoring of service providers and visitors while in the building.
• Assist resident families/individuals in meeting their needs and with their family routine, as appropriate 
• Support healthy interaction between and among resident families.  
• Provide access to educational and recreational materials and personal care items for residents. Assist resident families/individuals in accessing community recreational, entertainment and educational facilities and events.
• Respond to callers on the Agency 24-hour phone line and walk-ins, providing supportive counseling, safety planning, crisis intervention, advocacy and information and referral, following Agency procedures. Assist with previous client follow up and contacting domestic violence victims by phone following a domestic incident that has been reported to police and the release for jail of the domestic violence perpetrator.
• Assist case management staff in providing necessary services to clients:

     a. completing Agency forms;

     b. transporting to appointments and to shelter when leaving the abusive relationship;

     c. accessing child care for shelter residents;

     d. completing forms for financial, educational, legal and other assistance;

     e. information and referral to community resources to address client needs, such as housing; child development, parenting,     employment, long-term counseling; and alcohol/drugs.

• Provide safety planning and advocacy services to resident and non-resident domestic violence victims. This includes assistance in completing Domestic Abuse, Child Abuse and Harassment Restraining Orders and court accompaniment as a service representative, as necessary.
• Assist in keeping shelter in a safe and sanitary condition and ensure that supplies are adequate, kept in their proper location and organized. Complete cleaning tasks and safety checks, as required. Assist with processing donations, updating inventories and shopping.
• Assist residents in accessing food items necessary to provide healthy and culturally-appropriate meals and snacks for their family. May include shopping for groceries. 
• Teach, supervise and assist residents in cleaning after meals, storing food and in completion of shelter chores, as they are able. 
• Teach, supervise and assist residents in use of household equipment.
• Document services by entering statistical information in client files.
• Assist residents who are disabled with meeting their personal care, eating, cleaning, laundry and other needs. This can be accomplished by using Home Health Aide services, a resident’s personal care provider or by InCourage staff
•   May facilitate or co-facilitate support group(s) and develop materials and group curriculum, as assigned. Groups may include:
• Women’s Support Group
• AODA/DV Group
• Parents' group
• Children's/Teen’s group (age appropriate)
• May be given specific areas of responsibility.
•  Other duties as assigned.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of duties and levels of work difficulty that will be required and should not be construed as specifying what all the duties and responsibilities of a particular position shall be.