DV/SA Shelter/TLP Advocate

Summary:  Facilitate healing for victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing emotional support to them and their families in shelter and transitional living program (TLP), while advocating on their behalf with legal, medical, and social service professionals

Responsibilities:

Shelter                           

• Provide case management including trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches rebuilding self-esteem, developing essential life skills, and establishing financial independence


• 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


• 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


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

TLP

• Facilitate and advocate for financial assistance to cover clients’ security deposits, rent, utility bills, and other financial needs


• Conduct monthly case management meetings and weekly check-ins with TLP clients, while maintaining regular weekly office hours.


• Conduct daily inspections of the TLP building to ensure safety and cleanliness.


• Prepare apartments for new residents, including cleaning and necessary maintenance after client exits.


• Conduct monthly safety walk-throughs of TLP units


• Accurately complete all required paperwork, forms, and reports to meet program deadlines and compliance standards.


• Facilitate monthly and quarterly house meetings with residents.


• Coordinate with the Shelter Manager and Assistant Shelter Manager to address and schedule any necessary building maintenance.


• Facilitate TLP support groups for residents.

Duties:

• Collaborate with staff to ensure 24/7/365 crisis line coverage and be available for after-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.


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


• Provide counseling, emotional support, and options to victims/survivors, making appropriate referrals when necessary.


• Stay updated on available services, referral resources, laws, and policies related to domestic violence and sexual assault victims/survivors.


• Support the design and implementation of support groups for victims/survivors and/or their families, ensuring childcare is provided if needed.


• Record and maintain service data, statistics, and narratives as required.


• Assist in community education efforts and provide in-service training upon request.


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


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


• Attend regular meetings and/or trainings


• Travel within the service area to fulfill job responsibilities.


• Perform other duties as assigned to advance the agency's mission.

Qualifications:

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

• Obtain and maintain certification as a DV/SA counselor in accordance with statutory requirements, including completing 6 hours of required training annually.


• Knowledge of counseling and social services


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


• Excellent problem solving and follow up skills


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


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


• 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


• Ability 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.