Relief Advocate

Sojourner House Inc; Providence, Northern (RI, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Sojourner House Inc. seeks Relief Advocates for evenings, weekends, holidays to support shelter operations in northern Rhode Island. The role is as-needed, in-person at shelter locations, with 5pm–9pm weekend shifts and other on-call coverage.

Reports to Manager of Human Trafficking Programs and pays $19 per hour with paid sick time eligibility. Responsibilities include maintaining a safe environment, assisting guests with basic needs, answering helpline with crisis support, and coordinating

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; related field degree preferred.
• 1–2 years in human services; DV experience preferred but not required.
• Organized with strong leadership and communication skills.
• Spanish bilingualism is a plus but not required.
• Must have valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe and secure shelter environment.
• Provide support to guests including crisis intervention and education.
• Answer helpline with crisis support and referrals.
• Conduct intake interviews and refer to case managers when appropriate.
• Assist guests in accessing basic needs and personal goals.
• Ensure shelter rules are followed and maintain clean facilities.
• Communicate with other shelter staff; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership skills

Bilingual Spanish

Driver's license

Computer literacy

Flexible schedule

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate's degree in related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Spreadsheet

Word processing

Job description

Job Location:Sojourner House Domestic Violence Shelters (northern Rhode Island)

Position:Hours vary, this is an as-needed role providing Relief coverage evenings, weekends, holidays, and during staff absences

Reports to:Manager of Human Trafficking Programs

Salary:$19/an hour, eligible to earn paid sick time at the rate of 1 hour for every 35 hours worked

Basic Function:Responsible for the overnight and/or daily operation of Sojourner House’s Shelter(s), which include a Safe House, shelter for victims of trafficking, and shelter for male-identified victims, as well as the helpline, creating an atmosphere of advocacy where guests are able to heal and redirect their lives. Relief Advocates must be available to work in person at one of our shelter or safe house locations. We are currently seeking candidates for 5 pm – 9pm shifts on Saturday or Sunday, as well as candidates available for as-needed coverage shifts.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

• Maintain a safe and secure environment at the shelter facility.
• Provide all temporary guests of the shelter with the support and assistance they need including emotional support, education on domestic violence, in adjusting to their new environment.
• Answer the helpline providing crisis intervention, emotional support, and referral information to clients.
• Perform intake interviews and refer cases to full-time case managers if the shelter is the appropriate place for the client. If so, orient the client to the facility. If not, direct the client to the appropriate services available to them.
• Support clients to secure basic needs: food, clothing, safety, transportation, education, etc. Support their work towards their personal goals.
• Support guests to follow shelter rules and procedures, creating an environment of trust and community.
• Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of the facility as needed.
• Maintain communication with other shelter staff.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or as required.

Experience & Special Skills:

• High School diploma/GED plus relevant work experience or Associate’s degree in related field such as social work or human services
• One to two years in human services, domestic violence experience is preferred, but not required
• Must be organized and demonstrate superior leadership skills.
• Bilingual Spanish is a plus but not required
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle, travel between locations may be required during the work shift
• Computer literate in spreadsheet, word processing, Google Workspace
• Able to work a flexible schedule, sometime with short notice of available hours
• Reliable and self-motivated
• Candidates offered a role must be able to successfully pass a state and federal background check

Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made as necessary.

• Regularly required to stand; sit; walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands; and talk or hear.
• The employee must be able to carry objects weighing 10 – 25 pounds several times per work day
• Frequently required to walk and climb several sets of stairs and/or ladders
• Must be able to drive; frequent travel to other locations such as residential sites, within the community and local region
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and the environment is sometimes chaotic

Sojourner House is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetics.

To learn more about our work, please visit us at www.sojournerri.org.