Counselor Advocate, PT Overnight

About the role

Sojourn’s mission is to provide, without prejudice, shelter and support services to adult and child victims of domestic violence; prevent violence through non-dominant child-rearing, and the re-envisioning of gender stereotypes using a philosophy of nonviolence and individual empowerment; and work toward advancing social justice, locally and globally.

The Program Manager oversees the Counselor Advocate position within the 1801-Sojourn department at Sojourn Shelter Services.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate progress notes and documentation of client services
• Adhere to program/contract compliance as per guidelines and requirements mandated for DV shelter programs, standards of confidentiality, HIPPA, safety and crisis intervention.
• Provide direct services to clients:
• Assist with client crises as needed (life skills, conflicts resolution, safety planning, etc.) using trauma-informed de-escalation and mediation techniques.
• Ensure implementation of empowerment model, harm reduction and trauma informed care methodologies.
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, resources and eligibility screenings for program services for potential program participants via Sojourn 24-hour hotline for DV crisis per DV best practices and standards.
• Aid in client entry and exit of shelter programs.
• Assist with transportation of program participants and their belongings to meetings such as the court, doctors, community resources, and housing appointments etc. as necessary.
• Facilitate support groups for Adult and Child Participants including but not limited to life skills, DV education, Parenting Education.
• Ensure adherence to shelter guidelines for program participants under the supervision of shelter management.
• Provide resources and referrals as needed.
• Support life skills support and education such as, grocery shopping, assistance with chores/cleaning, provision of child care.
• Establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with clients, staff, community partners and community stakeholders including mental health programs, DV shelter programs, local law enforcement, local neighborhood councils (and other local officials), and providers of services and resources to homeless persons.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, training workshops, and community meetings as needed.
• Take inventory of site needs and submit facility maintenance, IT, and supply order requests.
• Submit daily activity reports to leadership staff and effectively communicate on-site activities; ensure appropriate communication during shift transition meetings.
• Participate and conduct safety drills, routine facility checks to ensure compliance with county health standards.
• Participate in maintaining the organization and cleanliness of the shelter facility.
• Work with shelter management to report credible suspicions of child abuse.
• Train, assist and provide feedback to volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent
• Trustworthy, honest, and team player.
• Ability to supervise shelter participants with dignity and respect at all times. Must engage participants in positive interactions and troubleshoot problems as they surface.
• Sound decision-making ability related to crisis and safety planning.
• Ability to work with a diverse population and implement cultural responsiveness.
• Literate with the ability to operate basic computer functions.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Able to supervise sanitary conditions at all times in all areas including, client proms, general areas, and communal living areas.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed, and handle emergencies which may occur daily, nightly, or overnight.
• Understanding of Domestic Violence Survivor population and their specific needs for services.
• Use of own vehicle; responsible to carry all auto insurance legally required in State of California.
• Valid California Drivers License.
• Willingness to receive 40-hour Domestic Violence Training.
• Willingness to maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times.
• Proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues.
• Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines.
• Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency.
• Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward others.
• Able to thrive in a work environment emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.
• Respond promptly in all aspects of communication.
• Work with minimum supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual English and Spanish
• Experience in social services program or case management preferred; 24-hour shelter experience
• Extensive experience working in social services field with direct experience related to provision of case management services
• Experience working in communal living or shelter environment