DV/SA Shelter Advocate

Summary:  To facilitate healing of victims/survivors by providing sound emotional support to victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their significant others and acting as advocate with legal, medical, and other social service professionals.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with other staff to provide crisis line coverage 24/7/365 and be available for after-hours shifts as required, including nights, weekends and holidays


• Provide support counseling, advocacy, referral and follow-up for sheltered and non-sheltered clients using empowerment approach to enhance confidence and self-esteem


• Complete shelter screenings and intakes (within 24 hours) per established intake guidelines


• Welcome and orient new residents


• Support residents in establishing and achieving short and long-term goals


• Coordinate and facilitate weekly client house meetings


• Assist residents leaving shelter in transition to another living situation (including referrals, furniture, security deposits, applications)


• Provide necessary cleaning of resident rooms upon exit. Prepare rooms for new resident arrival


• Work to create a safe and clean-living environment by participating in cleaning the shelter


• Accompany adult victims/survivors to a hospital or private physician, police and/or court when requested. To provide advocacy and/or emotional support upon victim's/survivor’s request.


• Keep informed of all services, referral resources, legislation, and policies regarding victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault


• Make regular contact with community organizations/service providers to assure effective referrals


• Co-facilitate support groups and make every effort to provide childcare, if necessary


• Assist with community education and provide in-services as requested


• Provide application and information and support for Victim Compensation funds


• Maintain and provide service data/statistics as required


• Participate in individual and group supervision including advocate meetings and co-facilitator meetings


• Be an ambassador for Susan B. Anthony Project. Participate in events, programs and promotions of awareness and advocacy


• Other duties as assigned to further the mission of the agency

Qualifications:

• Education and experience that may have been gained through relevant training, employment, or volunteer experience.


• Knowledge of counseling and social services


• Ability to understand and incorporate the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence into work


• Ability to understand and incorporate political/system's perspective of domestic violence/sexual abuse issues into work


• Training - certification as DV/SA counselor per statute


• Willingness to participate as a member of a team to enhance agency communication and operation


• Excellent problem solving, communications and follow up skills


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Platform, and/or other programs


• Use of positive communications and proactive conflict resolution


• Ability to work with other agencies, systems, board and volunteers


• Daily access to a car with a valid CT driver’s license


• Able to lift and move 25 pounds


• Patience and a sense of humor

Employees who are required to be certified to provide direct service to clients under the CGS 52-146K and the managers to these employees, are considered essential personnel. Their classification as essential personnel requires coverage of critical crisis services and residential presence during all shifts; daytime, nights, overnights, weekends, holidays, storms and other emergency situations.

Job Type: Full Time

Schedule: Monday-Wednesday 3:00pm-11:00pm Saturday and Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm

Work Location: In Person, Torrington CT

Salary: $22.50