Overnight Shelter Advocate

Susan B. Anthony Project; Torrington (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Susan B. Anthony Project seeks a part-time Overnight Shelter Advocate to support victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence. You will provide counseling, advocacy, and resources to residents and assist with intake, safety planning, and community referrals.

The role requires overnight availability Thursday through Saturday, with on-site duties at the Torrington, CT shelter. A relevant DV/SA counselor certification is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in counseling or social services preferred.
• Ability to understand domestic violence/sexual violence dynamics.
• Willingness to work as part of a team to improve agency operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis line coverage and after-hours support as needed.
• Counsel and advocate for shelter residents and non-sheltered clients.
• Complete intake screenings within 24 hours according to guidelines.
• Welcome and orient new residents and assist with goal setting.
• Coordinate case management meetings and client house meetings.
• Assist residents transitioning to new living situations and coordinate referrals.
• Maintain shelter cleanliness and safety inspections of units/building.
• Accompany victims to hospitals, police, or court as needed for advocacy.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Conflict resolution

Documentation

Organizational skills

Education

DV/SA counselor certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Type: Part Time

Schedule: Overnights Thursday-Saturday 10:30pm-8:30am*

Location: On-Site, Shelter Location, Torrington, CT

Salary Range: $22.50-$24.50 per hour, based on qualifications and experience

Summary: To support and facilitate the healing of victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families, by providing counseling, resources and legal, medical and other social service advocacy.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with other staff to provide crisis line coverage 24/7/365 and be available for after-hours shifts as required, including nights, weekends and holidays
• Provide support counseling, advocacy, referral and follow-up for sheltered and non-sheltered clients using empowerment approach to enhance confidence and self-esteem
• Complete shelter screenings and intakes (within 24 hours) per established intake guidelines
• Welcome and orient new residents
• Support residents in establishing and achieving short and long-term goals
• Conduct case management meetings
• Coordinate and facilitate client house meetings for shelter and TLP
• Assist residents leaving shelter in transition to another living situation (including referrals, furniture, security deposits, applications)
• Provide necessary cleaning of resident rooms upon exit. Prepare rooms for new resident arrival
• Work to create a safe and clean-living environment by participating in cleaning the shelter
• Accompany adult victims/survivors to a hospital or private physician, police and/or court when requested. To provide advocacy and/or emotional support upon victim's/survivor’s request.
• Stay informed of all services, referral resources, legislation, and policies regarding victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault
• Maintain regular contact with community organizations/service providers to ensure effective referrals
• Co-facilitate support groups and make every effort to provide childcare, if necessary
• Assist with community education and provide in-services as requested
• Provide information, application assistance and support for Victim Compensation funds
• Maintain and provide service data/statistics as required
• Participate in individual and group supervision including advocate meetings and co-facilitator meetings
• TLP office hours
• Conduct safety inspections of the TLP units and building to ensure safety and cleanliness.
• Prepare TLP apartments for new residents, including cleaning and necessary maintenance after client exits
• Accurately complete all required paperwork, forms, and reports to meet program deadlines and compliance standards.
• Coordinate with the Shelter Manager to address and schedule any necessary building maintenance
• Serve as an ambassador for Susan B. Anthony Project. Participate in events, programs and promotions of awareness and advocacy
• Other duties as assigned to further the mission of the agency

Qualifications:

• Education and experience that may have been gained through relevant training, employment, or volunteer experience.
• Knowledge of counseling and social services
• Ability to understand and incorporate the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence into work
• Ability to understand and incorporate political/system's perspective of domestic violence/sexual abuse issues into work
• Training - certification as DV/SA counselor per statute
• Willingness to participate as a member of a team to enhance agency communication and operation
• Excellent problem solving, communication and follow up skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Platform, and/or other programs
• Use of positive communications and proactive conflict resolution
• Ability to work with other agencies, systems, board and volunteers
• Daily access to a car with a valid CT driver’s license
• Able to lift and move 25 pounds
• Patience and a sense of humor

*Employees who are required to be certified to provide direct service to clients under the CGS 52-146K and the managers to these employees, are considered essential personnel. Their classification as essential personnel requires coverage of critical crisis services and residential presence during all shifts; daytime, nights, overnights, weekends, holidays, storms and other emergency situations.