New Directions CLIENT ADVOCATE PT

Marie Detty Youth & Family Service Center; Lawton (OK); On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Marie Detty Youth and Family Services in Lawton, OK seeks a part-time Client Advocate to perform intakes, provide essential items, conduct group meetings, and maintain records while ensuring safety and confidentiality for residents in a shelter setting.

The role includes crisis response, referrals, meal assistance, transportation support, and participation in program events, with mandatory trainings and CPR/First Aid certification within 90 days.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years old.
• BA/BS in psychology or social sciences preferred; high school diploma/GED required.
• One year of experience with at-risk individuals and/or families or DV/SA victims preferred.
• Demonstrate strong writing, verbal, and organizational skills.
• Must lift at least 25 lbs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and telephone.
• Must pass FBI background investigation.
• Ability to communicate with and advocate on behalf of residents.
• Ability to maintain records and confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Ability to assess situations and initiate safe interventions.
• Must attend mandatory trainings and monthly staff meetings; CPR/First Aid certification within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Provide client intakes and complete required paperwork.
• Distribute clothing, first aid, and hygiene products to clients.
• Facilitate daily house meetings and support groups.
• Maintain client files, crisis logs, and administrative paperwork.
• Ensure safety and cleanliness of facility via daily inspections and monitoring.
• Answer crisis line and provide crisis services.
• Make referrals to community agencies with written documentation.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and conferences as assigned.
• Uphold policies and operations manuals.
• Assist with meal preparation when cook is unavailable.
• Ensure shelter guidelines protect residents' safety and confidentiality.
• Provide transportation for clients when needed.
• Participate in program events to educate the community about DVSA & Stalking.

Skills

Writing skills

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Professionalism

Teamwork

Trauma-informed care

Advocacy

Education

BA/BS in psychology or social sciences

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Lawton, OK 73501

Starting pay $15 hourly

Schedule part-time Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4pm-12am (can pick up additional shifts when coverage is needed)

Responsibilities

• Provide client intakes including completing paperwork within required time frames.
• Provide clothing, first aid, and personal hygiene products to clients when needed.
• Conduct daily house meetings and assist with facilitating support groups.
• Maintain all paperwork necessary to perform duties as a client advocate, including documentation in client files, crisis logs, administrative paperwork, and all messages incoming and outgoing for clients.
• Ensure safety and cleanliness of facility by maintaining daily room inspections, viewing security monitors, and monitoring all persons coming and going.
• Answer the crisis line and provide crisis services.
• Make referrals to community agencies and programs when applicable to include written documentation of such services.
• Participate in all staff meetings and attend workshops and conferences as assigned.
• Uphold all policies and procedures and operations manuals.
• Assist with meal preparation when cook is unavailable.
• Ensure shelter guidelines are followed to maintain safety and confidentiality of all residents and staff.
• Provide transportation for clients when necessary and able to provide such service.
• Participate in program events to educate community about DVSA & Stalking, program, and agency services.
• Clean and sanitize client rooms following client exit and ensure room is ready for new client / family.
• 4pm-12am Advocate: Every Tuesday create weekly menu for the following week with input from residents in the shelter (Submit copies to New Directions Director, Case Manager, and 12am-8am Advocate).
• 12am-8am Advocate: Every Tuesday inventory food items and cleaning supplies in shelter. Create a shopping list for food items based off client’s menu request, and cleaning supplies. Submit list on Wednesday mornings to New Directions Director for review and approval. New Directions Director will submit to Rita for purchase by noon on Fridays.
• Put out breakfast, lunch, and dinner food for residents throughout the week and holidays as outlined on the menu for the week. Offer assistance when residents are preparing meals. Make allowance for persons with special dietary needs.
• Monitor safety issues, including broken or damaged equipment and report to New Directions Director.
• Show clients appropriate cleaning supplies, equipment operations, and explaining the chores.
• Responsible for completing the required minimum number of training hours per year (24 hours/full-time; 12 hours/part-time).
• Other duties as required by program needs.

Competencies

• Understands and applies the agency policies and procedures (i.e. dress code and appearance, adherence to work schedules, completion of trainings, etc.).
• Punctually attends meetings and trainings. Completes assigned trainings in adequate time frames and obtains the minimum number of training hours required within the calendar year.
• Demonstrates dependability by consistently working scheduled shifts and following proper procedures when unable to work scheduled shifts.
• Displays cultural competency by valuing the fundamental rights, dignity, and self-worth of all people including respecting age, culture, disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.
• Interacts with others in a professional manner and effectively navigates interpersonal differences. Maintains appropriate boundaries with supervisors, colleagues, and clients.
• Demonstrates the ability to consult or seek supervision regarding concerns or issues and communicates effectively with colleagues and clients.
• Displays professionalism and ability to work as part of a team.
• Identifies potential safety issues and takes measures to reduce risks and protect clients and staff.
• Understanding of trauma-informed services and sensitivity to the unique circumstances to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Shows ability to complete assigned corrections thoroughly and in a timely manner.
• Utilizes skills to facilitate communication among residents and promotes constructive ways for coping with communal shelter living environment.

The Client Advocate will receive training and be evaluated based on each of the above competencies and responsibilities. Your signature indicates you have reviewed and understand the job description.

This is an hourly position classified as eligible for overtime according to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Marie Detty Youth and Family Services is an at‑will employer. Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee and either may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific terms of employment.

QualificationsRequirements

• Must be 21 years old.
• BA/BS in psychology or social sciences is preferred. High school diploma/GED is required. One year of experience working with at‑risk individuals and/or families or domestic violence and sexual assault victims is also preferred.
• Demonstrate strong writing, verbal, and organizational skills.
• Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and telephone.
• Must pass FBI background investigation.
• Ability to communicate with and advocate on behalf of residents.
• Ability to maintain records and confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Ability to assess situations, identify potential safety issues, and independently initiate safe interventions.
• Must be able to attend mandatory trainings and monthly staff meetings as scheduled. The Client Advocate is required to become certified (within 90 days) in CPR/First Aid.