Relief Shelter Advocate Overnights

Laurel House; Lansdale (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Laurel House is seeking a compassionate Relief Shelter Advocate for overnight shifts (12am–8am) at Safe Haven Center in Lansdale, PA. You will provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and support to adults and children in our emergency shelter.

The role requires crisis response skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work with survivors of domestic violence. Training and collaboration with the Shelter Manager are essential to ensure safe, supportive services.

Qualifications

• Experience with survivors of domestic violence or in residential/crisis settings.
• Strong crisis response, listening and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work with diverse backgrounds with empathy.

Responsibilities

• Deliver empowerment-based counseling and advocacy to shelter residents.
• Respond to 24/7 hotline calls/texts with crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals.
• Conduct client screenings, intakes, and maintain documentation.
• Assist residents in accessing housing, employment, financial aid, healthcare, and legal resources.
• Lead or assist with house meetings and group programming with team coordination.
• Maintain a secure, clean, and supportive shelter environment.
• Coordinate donation intake, inventory, and storage.
• Stay on-site until the next staff relieves coverage.

Skills

Crisis response

Active listening

De-escalation

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: Relief Shelter Advocate [Overnights 12am to 8am]
Location: Safe Haven Center - Lansdale, PA
Reports To: Shelter Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Schedule:Relief

About Laurel House

Laurel House is a comprehensive domestic violence agency dedicated to the vision of ending domestic violence in every life, every community, and every relationship. We provide an array of supportive services to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse, empowering survivors to build lives free from violence and fear.

Position Overview

Laurel House is seeking compassionate and reliable Shelter Advocates to join our relief overnight team. In this critical role, you will provide direct support, advocacy, and crisis intervention to adults and children residing in our emergency shelter due to experiences of domestic violence. This position offers flexible, on-call scheduling and requires availability during the overnight or as needed to ensure 24/7 shelter operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver individual empowerment-based counseling and advocacy services to shelter residents.

• Respond to calls and texts on the 24-hour hotline, providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and resource referrals.

• Conduct client screenings, intakes, and maintain accurate and timely documentation.

• Support residents in accessing resources such as housing, employment, financial assistance, healthcare, and legal aid.

• Lead or assist with house meetings and group programming in coordination with the Counseling Department and Shelter Manager.

• Maintain a secure, clean, and supportive environment within the shelter facility.

• Coordinate donation intake, inventory, and storage.

• Remain on-site until relieved by the next staff member to ensure uninterrupted shelter coverage.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence or in residential/crisis intervention settings preferred.

• Strong crisis response, active listening, and de-escalation skills.

• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds with cultural sensitivity and empathy.

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or 1-2 years of relevant experience.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and attention to administrative detail.

• Bilingual candidates (English/Spanish or ASL) strongly encouraged to apply.

• Passionate about Laurel House's mission and committed to survivor empowerment.

Why Join Laurel House?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors and their families.

• Work in a collaborative, mission-focused environment.

• Receive ongoing training and professional development.

• Be part of a dedicated team creating safer communities.