Residential Domestic Violence Advocate

Child-; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 20 days (25 after 5 years)

Medical insurance - two plans

Dental insurance - two plans

Vision insurance

HSA with employer contributions

401(k)/403(b) options

Job summary

Haven House Domestic Violence Shelter in Buffalo, NY is seeking an energetic advocate to provide direct support to residents experiencing domestic violence and their children. The role involves crisis intervention, counseling, and program participation during evening shifts (Thu-Sat, 4pm-12am).

Responsibilities include maintaining case files, facilitating group sessions, and coordinating with staff to meet residents’ needs.

Qualifications

• BA/BSW degree or Associate’s degree with relevant experience.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Strong ability to work in a fast-paced shelter setting.
• Experience in domestic violence or trauma-informed care is preferred.
• Must maintain a NYS driver’s license and car insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counseling and crisis intervention for adult residents.
• Lead group sessions and support groups as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date case files and documentation.
• Assist with program meetings and community presentations.
• Provide administrative support and crisis hotline coverage.
• Ensure safety and security within a 24-hour residential facility.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

BSW or 2-year related degree

Job description

Haven House Domestic Violence Shelter is seeking an energetic, empathetic individual that wants to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of individuals experiencing domestic violence and their children. Join the dedicated team of advocates in Erie County's only licensed domestic violence shelter.

Shift Information: Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening 4pm-12am.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:

• Individual supportive listening/counseling services to adult shelter residents and conduct crisis intervention as needed.
• Conduct group sessions, when needed, to include House Meetings support groups, conflict resolution sessions, etc.
• Retain up-to-date case files and progress notes.
• Maintain necessary records, statistical information, activity sheets, documentation, logs that are pertinent to the position and to the program to ensure the flow of communication.
• Engage in case conferences and case reviews as assigned.
• Attend program meetings regularly and initiate and engage in creative programming to benefit shelter residents or staff.
• Meet the primary needs of residents during an assigned shift (i.e., token distribution, supplies, etc.)
• Meet the needs of working in a 24-hr residential facility (i.e., assist with cleaning, filling supplies, etc.)
• Transporting residents in an agency vehicle to their appointments.
• Engage in community presentations, if necessary.
• Provide administrative duties (making copies, compiling client intake files, etc.) as needed.
• Provide legal and social services advocacy for shelter residents.
• Provide coverage for the crisis telephone hotline.
• Remain alert at all times. All shifts are awake shifts. Employee is not permitted to nap or sleep at any time during their working hours.
• Remain cognizant about any physical plant emergencies that must be rectified or security breaches that must be reported.
• Models and practices sensitivity, fair treatment and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions.
• Participates and contributes to program Quality Improvement process.
• Promote the empowerment of all people as defined by the Social Work profession and Domestic Violence Movement, adhering to the principles of trauma-informed care
• Perform other related duties deemed necessary by program coordinator.
• Must maintain and submit all of the required documents and comply with all aspects of the Vehicle Safety and Usage Policy.
• Utilize Agency phone and email systems following standard customer services protocol. This includes: answering the telephone in a timely and professional manner, directing calls appropriately and returning phone and email requests promptly. Demonstrate excellent phone etiquette and customer service skills. Also demonstrate knowledge of agency programs and services.
• Maintain positive working relationships with program staff and others within the agency. Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills during interactions with internal and external customers.
• Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or any related field; or Associates Degree with experienced required.
• Must have a Valid NYS Driver’s License and continued automobile insurance.
• Be able to function as a member of a team.
• Work within a busy, fast-paced office setting
• Abide by a smoke-free work environment.
• Work a variety of shifts on a rotating basis to include evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) appreciated.
• Prior domestic violence experience or prior experience working with victims of trauma appreciated.
• CPR or nursing skills appreciated.
• Familiarity with or clinical training in the areas of mental health and substance abuse appreciated.

Competitive Pay Rate of $20 per hour

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Frequently move about inside and outside the office in reaction to situations and duties.
• Frequently communicate accurate information with coworkers, clients and children who will use the agency services.
• Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, printer and phone system.
• Must be able to access multi-level buildings and travel to sites within the community.
• Must be able to understand the written and spoken word and respond effectively during the majority of time spent on the job.
• Must be able to learn and comprehend basic instructions and orientation to job.
• Must be able to multi-task on a frequent basis.
• Frequently participate and coordinate with others regarding work situations and decisions.
• Frequently interact appropriately and diplomatically with varied stakeholders such as volunteers, staff members, visitors, referral sources, etc.

CFS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
  – 20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment)
  – 14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays)
  – Bereavement Days
  – Paid Jury Duty
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical, Two Plan Options
• Dental, Two Plan Options
• Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions
• Dependent Care FSA
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years (1000 hours each year)

Child and Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Child + Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child + Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.