Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate

About the role

The Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate provides direct support to adults and children in BHcare's safe house, focusing on creating a safe environment and empowering clients to heal, rebuild, and thrive.

Responsibilities

• Welcome new residents and their children, complete intakes, and provide orientation to the shelter.
• Offer crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support to survivors and their families.
• Provide individual support and referrals to community resources such as healthcare, education, and social services.
• Facilitate transportation for clients to medical appointments, school, shopping, and activities.
• Collaborate with community partners, including law enforcement, hospitals, and other providers, to ensure client needs are met.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive shelter environment.
• Aid clients in developing and following through on service plans to achieve safety and independence.
• Cover the 24/7 hotline and respond to crisis calls with compassion and professionalism.
• Ensure all documentation is completed promptly and accurately.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred and two (2) years related experience in human services; OR Associates Degree and four (4) years related work experience in human services; OR High School Diploma or equivalent and eight (8) years related work experience in human services.
• Two years Advocacy and/or direct service experience working with survivors of domestic violence in a community-based setting preferred.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the certified domestic violence counselor per CGS 52-146k before providing direct service to clients, followed with six-hour recertification yearly.
• Strong Written Communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of clients.
• Crisis intervention and counseling skills preferred.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft 365.
• Must be able to navigate through electronic health records system (EHR).
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable at a reasonable rate under the Organization’s auto insurance plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred and two (2) years related experience in human services; OR Associates Degree and four (4) years related work experience in human services; OR High School Diploma or equivalent and eight (8) years related work experience in human services.
• Two years Advocacy and/or direct service experience working with survivors of domestic violence in a community-based setting preferred.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the certified domestic violence counselor per CGS 52-146k before providing direct service to clients, followed with six-hour recertification yearly.

Skills

• Crisis intervention and counseling skills preferred.
• Microsoft 365 proficiency.
• Navigation through electronic health records system (EHR).
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and insurability under the Organization’s auto insurance plan.

Benefits

At BHcare, you'll be part of a mission-driven team working to break the cycle of domestic violence and build stronger, safer communities. We offer a supportive environment where your work truly changes lives.

Pay

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Schedule

16 hours per week, Saturday and Sunday 10:45pm-7:15am