Shelter Advocate Job Description
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Answer crisis line, provide safety planning, crisis intervention, information, referrals, and shelter screening as necessary
- Meet with each client in shelter within 72 hours of entrance for client intake; intake includes assessing the client’s needs, reviewing shelter policies, and setting goals with the client.
- Support Residents in meeting goals including job readiness, education, applications for housing, benefits, and replacing personal documents
- Coordinate and assist in transportation for Shelter and Resident needs
- Provide one on one life skills education and planning assistance related to budgeting/financial literacy, maintaining a schedule, emergency preparedness, employee professionalism/interviewing
- Assist in providing domestic violence education sessions with residents
- Ensure the distribution and data entry of surveys at appropriate time intervals for program evaluation
- Assist in maintaining records; specifically the entry of services for Adults, Children, and Hotline callers
- Assist in communicating approved transportation, childcare, communal living concerns, and any other information necessary for optimal function of shelter.
- Coordinate and maintain awareness of Residents needs and challenges through Group Advocacy Meetings and Resident Advocacy Meetings
- Provide continued advocacy and support for clients in the Transitional Housing Program
- Create, support and uphold PSI core values of fresh start, individualized response, thoughtful evaluation, collaboration and careful stewardship.
- Assist with mediating conflict between residents, through the restorative circle process if needed.
- Identify and communicate areas where improvements may be needed in the providing of services by PSI
- Supervise interns and volunteers as assigned
- Participate in on-call rotation; assist with volunteer training; document all activities
Knowledge and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree plus relevant experience in crisis intervention, residential services, Master’s Degree preferred
- Knowledge and experience working with victims/survivors of domestic violence
- Ability to respect and adapt to differences in perspective, backgrounds, beliefs and needs
- Demonstrated emotional maturity, ability to manage time, evaluate progress, and adjust activities to complete work within established time frames; and adaptability to unplanned situations.
- Ability to effectively work independently and collaboratively without direct supervision.
- Ability to work in a stressful environment with frequent interruptions and competing demands on time
- Critical Thinking – use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Other requirements
- Participate in agency staff meetings and other team meetings as needed to contribute to positive and empowering work culture.
- Commitment to ongoing research and education to ensure survivors received the most comprehensive services.
- Adhere to agency policies and work rules, including strict confidentiality and code of ethics.
- Consent to Criminal Background Check
- Provide a valid driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance.
- Complete other duties as needed to support all areas of Project Safe’s mission and vision for the organization.