Shelter Advocate

Cornerstone Advocacy Service; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mental health benefits

Telemedicine

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

PTO 168 hours

Job summary

Cornerstone Advocacy Service in Bloomington, IN is seeking a Shelter Advocate to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy, crisis response, and supportive services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking. You will support participants accessing 24/7 shelter, crisis line, and walk-in services while fostering a safe, inclusive environment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, strong communication,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 1 year direct trauma-informed/crisis services experience.
• Knowledge of domestic/sexual violence and survivor-centered practices.
• Strong communication to deescalate crises and engage diverse populations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data systems (Apricot).

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential trauma-informed advocacy and crisis intervention.
• Coordinate access to emergency shelter and safety planning.
• Maintain documentation of interactions in program databases.
• Collaborate with team to deliver survivor-centered services.

Skills

Trauma-informed

Crisis de-escalation

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Apricot

Databases

Job description

Shelter Advocate

Our Mission:

Cornerstone disrupts violence through advocacy, support, and prevention. We partner with individuals, families, and organizations to build communities free from harm.

Our Core Values:

• Survivor - Centered
• Social Justice
• Well-Being
• Collaboration
• Integrity

Summary of Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a $5.5 million organization that provides comprehensive services for individuals and families in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking or general crime. Our offices are located in Bloomington, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis. Learn more at www.cornerstonemn.org.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay Range: $21.00 - 22.30

Unionized Position: Yes

Job Summary

The Shelter Advocate provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy, crisis response, and supportive services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or human trafficking/sexual exploitation. This role supports participants accessing 24/7 shelter, crisis line, and walk-in services while fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Advocates provide wraparound support including safety planning, resource coordination, and survivor-led advocacy across multiple systems.

Hours/Schedule

• This is a full-time position requiring flexibility to meet participant and program needs.
• Position is to fill shift for: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
• Schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
• Ability to adjust schedule in response to crisis situations and shelter demands.
• Expected to maintain consistent and reliable attendance.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of one year of experience providing direct services in a trauma-informed or crisis response setting.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or human trafficking dynamics and survivor-centered practices.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to deescalate crisis situations and engage diverse populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, databases, and technology.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Essential Functions

Crisis Response & Advocacy

• Provide confidential, trauma-informed advocacy, safety planning, and crisis intervention via phone, in person, and walk-in services.
• Respond to crisis line calls and law enforcement referrals with timely follow-up and support.
• Screen and coordinate access to emergency shelter when space is available.
• Maintain consistent engagement with participants through ongoing check-ins and support.

Shelter Operations & Resident Support

• Complete intakes, orient new participants, and communicate shelter expectations and available services.
• Support residents with daily living needs including cleaning, meal preparation, food portioning, and parenting support.
• Support unit turnover through cleaning, safety checks, and preparation of spaces for new participants.

Collaboration & Program Engagement

• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure coordinated, survivor-centered services.
• Participate in team meetings to share updates on participant needs, goals, and barriers.
• Support onboarding, training, and mentoring of new staff, volunteers, and interns as assigned.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in Apricot and other data systems.
• Complete required documentation for critical incidents, including mandated reports and safety concerns and additional administrative duties.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities and those who may be Deaf/Hard of Hearing, to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools, or controls as well as visual acuity. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must lift and/or move up to twenty pounds. No employee should attempt to lift more than what is comfortable for them.

Our Benefits Package Includes:

• Free virtual mental health counseling (for all employees + their families)
• Free telemedicine (for employees + enrolled family members)
• 401(k) after 90 days + up to 4% employer match after 1 year
• Paid parental leave after 1 year of service
• Medical, dental & vision (eligible first month after 30 days)
• HSA & FSA options
• Free basic life & AD&D insurance
• Free long-term disability
• Voluntary short-term disability
• Generous PTO: 168 hours to start (increases after 24 months)
• 11 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays
• Paid birthday off

EEO Statement:

Cornerstone strives for a fully inclusive work environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, veteran, disability, age, marital or, familial, and/or with regard to public assistance or any other characteristic. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affimative Action Employer.

Visit our career page at: https://cornerstonemn.org/about/employment/