Domestic Violence Services Shelter Advocate - (Part-time)

Children & Families of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Children & Families of Iowa is seeking a compassionate Shelter Advocate for our Domestic Violence Services team. You will provide crisis intervention, advocacy, safety planning, and referrals within a secure shelter environment to help survivors build safety and achieve goals.

This role requires trauma-informed care, strong communication, and the ability to coordinate with community partners. You will document cases, support daily shelter operations, and remain adaptable across shifts to ensure

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
• Experience with individuals impacted by domestic violence, trauma, or crisis situations is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, victim services, and local community resources.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, safety planning, and referrals to clients in person or by phone.
• Respond to crisis situations within the shelter following agency policies to ensure safety of clients and staff.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources and build relationships with service providers for referrals.
• Support clients in achieving self-sufficiency and emotional well-being through goal setting and trauma-informed advocacy.
• Engage in professional development to expand knowledge of domestic violence and trauma-informed care.
• Complete required documentation per shift (intake, exit paperwork, incident reports, case notes, shelter logs).
• Maintain professional communication with team to ensure continuity of care.
• Support daily shelter operations, monitor facility safety, resolve conflicts, align with client goals.
• Provide or coordinate transportation to clients for activities and appointments as needed.
• Maintain attendance and participate in team and advocate meetings.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Interpersonal communication

Professional boundaries

Independent work

Time management

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field

Job description

Description

We are seeking a compassionate, trauma-informed Shelter Advocate to join our Domestic Violence Services (DVS) team. The Advocate will provide direct support and crisis intervention to clients impacted by domestic violence, ensuring their safety and well-being in a secure, supportive shelter environment. This role is vital in fostering a healing space for survivors and helping them achieve their goals through advocacy, resource connection, and empowerment.

The impactful work you'll be doing:

• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, safety planning, and referrals to current and potential clients in person or by phone.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations within the shelter in accordance with agency policies, ensuring the safety of clients and staff. Consult with on-call supervisors as needed.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources and build working relationships with service providers to facilitate effective referrals and coordinated care.
• Support clients in achieving self-sufficiency and emotional well-being through goal setting, progress monitoring, and trauma-informed, strength-based advocacy.
• Engage in professional development to expand knowledge of domestic violence, trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, mental health, and substance abuse. Maintain required ICADV certification.
• Complete all required documentation per shift, including intake and exit paperwork, incident reports, case notes, and shelter log updates.
• Maintain professional communication with team members to ensure continuity of care and trauma-informed service delivery.
• Support the daily operations of the shelter, including monitoring the facility for cleanliness and safety, resolving client conflicts, and providing support in alignment with individual client goals.
• Provide or coordinate transportation to clients for goal-related activities and appointments as needed.
• Maintain consistent attendance, be available for shift coverage as needed, and actively participate in team and advocate meetings.
• Remain alert and attentive throughout the entirety of each shift to ensure the needs of the shelter and its residents are met.
• Perform backup shelter duties during assigned weekends.

Be a part of something extraordinary!

Children & Families of Iowa does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

For additional information on Children & Families of Iowa, please see our website at www.cfiowa.org

Requirements

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with individuals impacted by domestic violence, trauma, or crisis situations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, victim services, and local community resources.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively in high-pressure situations.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required