Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate

YWCA Union County; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shelter Advocate at YWCA Union County provides crisis intervention and supports residents in the domestic violence shelter under the supervision of the Director of Residential Services. Key duties include answering the 24-hour hotline, facilitating admissions, developing care plans, and linking clients to counseling, housing, legal and community resources using trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches.

Evening and some weekend shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• BA/BSW or commensurate experience.
• Must demonstrate cultural competency through either experience or education.
• Must have some knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and trauma.

Responsibilities

• Answer and help with the 24-hour domestic violence hotline.
• Refers clients to YWCA internal programs providing counseling, workforce development, children’s services, legal services, and other needed services, as well as appropriate community resources for services not covered by YWCA Union County.
• Maintain Client’s files.
• Maintain a caseload of clients.
• Refer and link clients to appropriate services in the community that promote greater self-sufficiency. Monitor the client’s follow-through with these services.
• Perform client intake and needs assessment including completion of all required paperwork for residents.
• Conduct initial pre-screen of clients to determine the need for support in all domains of client's life to deliver affirming, inclusive, and survivor-centered case management services as well as an in-stabilization housing plan.
• Develop a comprehensive care plan jointly with the residents that includes short- and long- term goals focused on attaining, maintaining, and achieving positive psychosocial outcomes.
• At least twice weekly, evaluate and update the client care plan based upon changes to factors detailed in reassessment.
• Develop and maintain individual housing plans upon resident’s entry into The Residential Program and over the course of their residency through to discharge.
• Implement resident case plans in coordination with the Residential Team.
• Evaluate effectiveness of services based upon client outcomes in the scope of work.
• Coordinate clients’ participation in community events as needed.
• Responsible for cleaning client’s room and preparing for new clients.
• Attending staff meetings, conferences and training as directed.
• Representing agency as required at community events, health fairs, etc.
• Conduct outside presentations as required.
• Responsible for modeling healthy boundaries, respectful behavior, and open communication
• Provide Director of Residential Services and Shelter Coordinator with information on potential problems and assist in the development of solutions and/or innovative approaches to problems.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Residential and Shelter Coordinator.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Cultural competency

Public speaking

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BA/BSW or commensurate experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The shelter advocate will provide services under the supervision and direction of the Director of Residential Services. This position is responsible for providing crisis intervention and support to individuals experiencing domestic violence and related crises.

This position responds to domestic violence hotline calls and Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and Crisis Response Team (CRT) activations, conducts safety assessments and shelter screenings, and connects clients with appropriate resources and support services.

The shelter advocate supports daily shelter operations by facilitating client admissions, preparing living spaces, and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for residents. Using a trauma-informed and client-centered approach, the evening shelter advocate assists clients in navigating complex service systems, addressing barriers related to language access, immigration status, and trauma, while promoting safety, stability, and access to essential community resources. The shelter advocate also works hand in hand with Housing Advocate to ensure the successful identification and retention of permanent housing, consisting of advocacy for domestic violence/sexual assault survivors with landlords. Knowledge of survivor rights would be an optimal skill in this role. Knowledge of subsidy programs is preferred.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS & ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BSW or commensurate experience.
• Must demonstrate cultural competency through either experience or education.
• Must have some knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and trauma.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work with diverse communities.
• A highly motivated self-starter.
• Must be flexible for some evening and weekend shifts.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Answer and help with the 24-hour domestic violence hotline.
• Refers clients to YWCA internal programs providing counseling, workforce development, children’s services, legal services, and other needed services, as well as appropriate community resources for services not covered by YWCA Union County.
• Maintain Client’s files.
• Maintain a caseload of clients.
• Refer and link clients to appropriate services in the community that promote greater self-sufficiency. Monitor the client’s follow-through with these services.
• Perform client intake and needs assessment including completion of all required paperwork for residents.
• Conduct initial pre-screen of clients to determine the need for support in all domains of client's life to deliver affirming, inclusive, and survivor-centered case management services as well as an in-stabilization housing plan.
• Develop a comprehensive care plan jointly with the residents that includes short- and long- term goals focused on attaining, maintaining, and achieving positive psychosocial outcomes.
• At least twice weekly, evaluate and update the client care plan based upon changes to factors detailed in reassessment.
• Develop and maintain individual housing plans upon resident’s entry into The Residential Program and over the course of their residency through to discharge.
• Implement resident case plans in coordination with the Residential Team.
• Evaluate effectiveness of services based upon client outcomes in the scope of work.
• Coordinate clients’ participation in community events as needed.
• Responsible for cleaning client’s room and preparing for new clients.
• Attending staff meetings, conferences and training as directed.
• Representing agency as required at community events, health fairs, etc.
• Conduct outside presentations as required.
• Responsible for modeling healthy boundaries, respectful behavior, and open communication
• Provide Director of Residential Services and Shelter Coordinator with information on potential problems and assist in the development of solutions and/or innovative approaches to problems.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Residential and Shelter Coordinator.

DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES.

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Ability to always project a professional demeanor.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Exercises mature judgment
• Proficient knowledge in processing confidential information
• Ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects/tasks.
• Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

While performing the job, this position typically involves sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking, carrying (25lbs), lifting (25lbs), bending, stooping, and reaching. This position also requires operating a computer keyboard, firm/strong grasping, and repetitive hand control. The position also requires the ability to complete forms in personal writing, make and receive telephone calls, and operate office machines (copier, fax, and printer). This position is also subjected to outside environmental conditions.

PERSONAL TRAITS

• A person of unquestioned honesty and integrity; values transparency.
• A person who values substance in their work.
• Self-assured, yet self-effacing in support of an effective team.
• Willing to provide extra effort whenever necessary to accomplish goals.
• Well-developed political skills and personal diplomacy.
• Self-directed and goal-oriented, while remaining flexible as needed.
• An individual with a passion for serving the public good.
• Spark, imagination, and creativity

NOTE: This job description is a broad outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Shelter Advocate and will be amended as needed to meet the program priorities of the YWCA Union County and their ensuring work requirements. This job description should not be construed as a contract.

The Mission of the YWCA-USA

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

YWCA Eastern Union County Core Values

Commitment to the mission and working together for the well-being of the community. Integrity in relationships, practices, and decisions.Respect for each one’s roles, diversity, and viewpoints. Compassion in understanding, attitude, and action. Empowerment to create positive choices, recognize potential, and reach goals. Excellence in practice and expectation.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The YWCA of Eastern Union County is an equal opportunity employer and shall provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment.The YWCA of Eastern Union County does not discriminate in providing appropriate services or other assistance based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, handicap, and/or financial status. (Approved 2002)