FT DV Advocate - Evening

Position Summary

Responds to incoming calls on the YWCA 24-hour crisis & support helpline, providing emotional support, resources, and safety planning.

Job Details

• Hrs: Mon-Fri 3:00pm-11:30pm
  $19.38/hour
• Not a remote position

Relationships & Contacts

• Within the organization: Staff throughout the organization including peers, directors, senior, and executive management.
• Outside the organization: Shelter clients, visitors, and volunteers.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assesses the need of callers for emergency shelter, determines eligibility for intake, and develops transportation plan to shelter.
• Provides supportive interactions and information on the dynamics of domestic violence to shelter residents.
• Maintains accurate and confidential records for each client, documenting resident behaviors, incidents, interactions, and progress in a consistent and ethical manner on a daily basis.
• Conducts intake, orientation, exit interviews, and safety planning with shelter residents in an appropriate/timely manner.
• Maintains building status and cleanliness, reporting malfunctions and ensuring the building is kept clean.
• Identifies barriers to success for clients and makes appropriate referrals.
• Monitors resident activity throughout the shelter and manages conflict through appropriate intervention.
• Maintains and secures physical environment to maximize the safety of residents, implementing appropriate reactions to security threats as needed.
• Develops an understanding of agency and program policies and procedures, implementing appropriately and interpreting to residents and volunteers.
• Manages and maintains the rotating holiday residential coverage.

Additional Responsibilities

• Supports visitors and volunteers.
• Conducts client meetings as needed to share information and build community.
• Conducts weekly room inspections, noting the status of the building and filing appropriate work orders.
• Attends program staff meetings, in-service training sessions, YW All Staff, and other meetings as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and minimum of six months related experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree in counseling or a related mental health field preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Communicate with peers/general public, clients, and/or vendors.
• Carry materials with various weights up to 25 lbs.
• Navigate the work environment and remain in a position for extended periods of time, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Type and use standard office equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Analyze problems and present solutions to various staff and clients.
• Demonstrate strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Show respect for and sensitivity to cultural differences.
• Believe in the YWCA and be able to convey its importance.

Other Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, motor vehicle insurance that complies with local laws, and a clean motor vehicle report (MVR).

Skill Competencies

• Ability to react immediately, yet calmly, to crisis situations and quickly build rapport with callers.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate needs and information.
• Demonstrate compassion and understanding for people dealing with potentially life-threatening situations and be able to assess serious issues.
• Sensitivity to the needs of survivors of domestic violence and their children.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
• Resourceful, creative, and problem solver.
• Excellent oral and verbal communication skills.
• Strong belief in the YWCA and ability to convey its importance.