Naples Emergency Shelter Advocate

The Shelter for Abused Women and Children; Naples (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36‑hour work week

100% medical/mental health benefits

Employer 401K match

200 hours PTO (vacation/sick)

11 paid holidays + birthday off

Job summary

The Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples seeks an Emergency Shelter Advocate to provide empowerment-based advocacy, crisis intervention, and wrap-around services to survivors of domestic violence and trafficking. This fully in-person role supports safety planning, resource navigation, and trauma-informed care.

Reports to Residential Manager; full-time, non-exempt (hourly) with two 12-hour shift options (day or night). 36-hour work week with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or GED; associate/bachelor’s preferred.
• Experience with domestic violence or trauma care is preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational abilities required.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to agency policies and DCF standards for advocacy.
• Assist with restraining orders, injunctions, and other petitions as needed.
• Answer crisis hotline and provide crisis counseling, information, and referrals.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Verbal & written English

Organizational skills

Tech literacy: Outlook/Word

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's (preferred)

Job description

Emergency Shelter Advocate – The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Location: Naples Shelter location

Reports to: Residential Manager Employment Type: Fulltime, Non- Exempt (Hourly)

Direct Reports: N/A

Schedule may be one of two daily 12-hour shifts, Three days per week. Day 7 am – 7 pm OR Night 7 pm – 7 am

This is a fully in-person position with no opportunities for remote work.

The Impact of This Position

The Shelter’s Emergency Shelter Advocates offer empowerment-based advocacy, counseling, crisis intervention, and wrap‑around services to support victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. They assist these individuals in navigating dangerous situations and connect them to vital resources and community support systems to ensure short and long‑term safety.

Full‑time Employee Benefits Package

The Shelter offers a spectacular benefits package for all full‑time staff, including a 36‑hour work week, staff appreciation events, and generous 200 hours of paid time off for vacation and sick days. We also offer 11 paid holidays off and your birthday! We cover 100% of medical and mental health benefits, offer affordable dental and vision plans, an employer match 401K program, Flexible Spending Account for medical expenses and dependent care, and an Employee Assistance Program. We also encourage a happy, healthy, and whole work environment by empowering staff to maintain their wellness through fitness incentives. Full disclosure of details, policies, and procedures are provided upon hire.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Must have High School Diploma and/or GED
• Associate’s degree and/or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields, preferred.
• Experience with domestic violence, human trafficking, and our trauma intervention and prevention is preferred.

Certifications and Training

• Completion of First Aid and CPR certification.
• Successful completion of The Shelter’s Core Competency training upon hire.

EOO & Compliance

• The Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer
• Must provide valid authorization to work in the U.S.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Must pass state and federal background checks, provide satisfactory references, and complete a drug screening with no former citations of child abuse.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Demonstrated exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of people.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to adapt seamlessly to various environments, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach.
• Techy savvy candidates preferred. Must effectively process data entry and navigate across various softwares (Outlook, Word).

Essential Functions

• Adhere to The Shelter’s Polices & Procedures and DCF Standards and guidelines for advocacy.
• Aid in filing for restraining orders, injunctions, protective orders, immigration, and other petitions.
• Answer the crisis hotline and provide callers, as well as all program participants, with empowerment‑based crisis counseling, guidance, emotional support, information, and referrals.
• Assess lethality of participant’s situation and participants’ needs.
• Assist participant with safety plans (development & implementation).
• Assist victims in securing rights, remedies, and services from other agencies.
• Determine if the victim is seeking emergency shelter and offer assistance, as needed.
• Educate survivors about basic financial fundamentals with The Shelter’s partner resources.
• Maintain a safe, clutter‑free Shelter through housekeeping tasks like trash removal, preparing bedrooms, and assisting survivors with kitchen upkeep.
• Offer aid in locating emergency financial assistance, TANF benefits, and other resources.Perform any other duties as assigned by your supervisor
• Provide empowerment‑based counseling (face‑to‑face and/or via telephone) in either individual or group settings
• Provide empowerment‑based, culturally inclusive family advocacy for all participants
• Provide information on the dynamics of domestic violence and human trafficking.
• Provide referrals, vouchers, and/or supplies for transportation, food, clothing, and emergency housing.
• Support, assist, and advocate for victims at any stage in the criminal justice system.
• Teach survivors essential life skills, including cooking and cleaning.

Who You Are

• Able to prioritize effectively and work within tight timelines.
• Caring, compassionate, and kind.
• Collaborative, with the ability to inspire and foster partnerships.
• Comfortable learning new systems, software, and processes.
• Composed and self‑aware when facing challenges.
• Critical thinker and objective decision‑maker.
• Curious, gritty, and passionate about The Shelter’s mission.
• Bi‑lingual preferred (Spanish or Creole)
• Detail‑oriented and accurate in work.
• Professional proficiency in English; bilingual in Spanish or Creole preferred.
• Willing to take extreme ownership of responsibilities and contributions.

What We Value

• A culture of philanthropy.
• Adaptability to new systems and processes.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Human connection and personal growth.
• Kindness, compassion, and open‑mindedness.
• The Shelter’s 3 I’s: Integrity, Initiative, & Innovation
• Passion for our mission and eagerness to learn.
• Professionalism and leadership by example.
• Resilience and extreme ownership in facing challenges.

Inclusive Job Requirements & Anti-Discrimination Framework

You must be able to lift and bend up to 20 lbs. This role may require extended periods of sitting or standing. The described work environment reflects conditions typically encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Requests for reasonable accommodations under the ADA will be reviewed in accordance with applicable laws. The Shelter is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit and job‑related qualifications, without consideration of protected characteristics as defined by federal law.