Shelter Advocate

About the role

BHcare is seeking a Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate to provide direct support to adults and children in their safe house. The role is essential in creating a safe environment while 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

• Compassionate, reliable, and committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence.
• Strong communication and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and professional in challenging situations.
• Comfortable collaborating with both clients and external providers.
• Must remain awake and alert during shifts.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• In lieu of Bachelor’s degree: Associates degree or college coursework equivalent (2 years) and 2 years work experience in human services; OR high school diploma and minimum of 4 years of 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.