Advocate - Overnight Support, Part Time

About the role

The philosophy of our organization is that all people have the right to live without fear, abuse, oppression, and violence. Our advocacy programs embrace the philosophy that people experiencing violence and/or abuse have the potential to control their lives and can be helped in doing so through support, information, and encouragement. We believe that our organization should model behavior that is nonviolent and uses power responsibly for personal and organizational action and growth.

Schedule

10:30 pm to 8:30 am (30 hours/week)

Responsibilities

• Provide after-hours support and care to clients in the emergency shelter
• Maintain the emergency shelter and assist clients with accessing basic needs
• Promote wellness and safety within the emergency shelter
• Provide crisis intervention services for phone-in and walk-in survivors
• Perform entries with accepted clients
• Promote a positive environment within the shelter for both residents and employees
• Complete a walk-through of the building every hour to ensure client needs are met
• Complete documentation of interactions and calls by the end of the shift
• Replenish necessary supplies in resident rooms, including toilet paper, trash bins and bags, shampoo, and conditioner
• Wash, fold, and restock bedding supplies to prepare for new residents
• Create toiletry bags for incoming clients
• Ensure all living spaces meet the shelter’s cleanliness and safety standards through regular walk-throughs and inspections
• Assist Shelter Facilities Support Specialist with cleaning and preparing rooms for new residents after a resident has left the program within 3–5 business days of their departure

Tools and equipment used

• Personal computer, including word processing software and database knowledge
• Electronic mail and internet knowledge
• Copy and fax machines
• Phone

Work environment

The work environment includes office and criminal justice facilities. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but occasionally noisy. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or counseling preferred; other related majors or equivalent combination of education and/or experience accepted
• Experience: None required

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite
• Understanding and sensitivity toward issues involved in domestic violence, particularly as they relate to survivors of any gender, race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
• Ability to learn and grow trauma-informed, client-centered approaches
• Skills in individual advocacy and case management, with the ability to effectively facilitate and coordinate activity groups
• Active listening skills and ability to engage clients in assessing needs and problem solving
• Ability to work with others in a collaborative decision-making process
• Knowledge of or experience working with social justice issues, specifically intimate partner and gender-based domestic and sexual violence, and racial, class, gender, sexual orientation issues, and intervention/prevention services strongly preferred
• Dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion; excellent organizational skills; written and oral communication skills; attention to detail; ability to prioritize work and tasks
• Adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task, and changing environment, with frequent pressure related to meeting deadlines and scheduling requirements
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to embrace, support, and integrate DVIS’s philosophies to promote and demonstrate DVIS’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism
• Diplomacy in confronting personal, individual, and internal discrimination requiring sharing and discussing personal identities relative to the work environment is strongly preferred

Licenses/certifications

• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license
• Current CPR and First Aid certification preferred