Shelter Advocate

Department: Victim Services – Shelter

Supervisor: Victim Services Shelter Manager

Status: Full-time Rotating, Part-time Rotating, Non-Exempt

Schedule

Full-time Rotating: Tues 8pm-8am, Thurs 8pm-8am, Sat 8pm-8am

Part-time rotating hours as needed.

About the Role

Provide direct support and advocacy to shelter residents and hotline callers. The Shelter Advocate assists with shelter operations, responds to crisis and emergency situations, supports resident safety and well-being, provides information and referrals, and maintains a safe, respectful, and confidential environment for individuals receiving services.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Shelter Director and Victim Services Shelter Manager with daily shelter operations and direct client services.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations, emergencies, conflicts, and resident concerns.
• Answer hotline calls and provide information, emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals.
• Assist victims with safety planning and provide information regarding the criminal justice process.
• Provide emotional support and advocacy to victims and shelter residents.
• Assist residents with completing service delivery plans as directed by the Victim Services Shelter Manager.
• Assist clients with transportation needs as appropriate.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and respectful shelter environment.
• Work as part of a team to support shelter operations, facility maintenance, and day-to-day residential needs.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records and required documentation, including data entry, progress notes, activity reports, timesheets, and logs.
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, shelter residents, clients, and all individuals served by the program.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required by the Victim Services Shelter Manager or Director of Victim Services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma from an accredited school preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including proper grammar and clear documentation.
• Ability to communicate and interact positively and productively with agency personnel, program participants, governmental departments, social service agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to resolve emergency and crisis situations and take appropriate action.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Google Docs and Microsoft Word.
• Dependable transportation and the ability to travel between program sites and agency headquarters.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of current vehicle liability insurance.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to respond effectively and appropriately during emergency and crisis situations.
• Ability to remain attentive to the needs of shelter residents.
• Part-time employees must be available on short notice when full-time shelter staff are absent and may be required to remain on-call at all times.
• Ability to maintain a safe, clean, and supportive residential environment.

Qualifications

• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required.
• ICADV Victim Advocate Core 40 Training required when funding is available.
• Completion of required agency and regulatory trainings.
• Additional training may be required based on program or organizational needs.

Experience working with individuals in crisis, providing advocacy or support services, or working in a shelter, social services, healthcare, or related setting preferred.