Shelter Advocate

YWCA Cass Clay; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Cass Clay seeks a full-time Shelter Advocate to provide comprehensive case management for women and children in the Emergency Shelter, promoting safety, stability, and empowerment while ensuring a secure shelter environment.

Responsibilities include intake assessments, goal and safety planning, progress monitoring, and liaison with housing programs and government agencies. Must be able to work varied hours including on-call shifts and support interns and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage a high-volume workload in a fast-paced shelter environment.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, homelessness, mental health, and child development.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of current vehicle insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and facilitate regular meetings with participants to support progress in areas such as employment, education, financial stability, healthy relationships, and children’s needs.
• Conduct intake assessments and develop individualized goal plans and safety plans.
• Monitor and document participant progress, maintaining accurate records.
• Communicate relevant participant information to appropriate YWCA staff while maintaining confidentiality.
• Serve as a liaison to community resources, including housing programs, landlords, government agencies, and other local service providers.
• Complete intake screenings to admit women and children into shelter services.
• Orient new participants to shelter guidelines and expectations, ensuring consistent enforcement of policies and procedures.
• Maintain the safety and security of the shelter by monitoring phones, door access, security systems, fire alarms, and completing required safety checks.
• Train, support, and provide feedback to interns, volunteers, and Shelter Support Specialists.
• Participate in the on-call rotation and assist with shift coverage as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Time management

First Aid/CPR certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field (e.g., social work, CDFS, sociology, criminal justice, human services)

Job description

YWCA Cass Clay is seeking a full-time Shelter Advocate to provide comprehensive case management services to women and children residing in the Emergency Shelter. This position plays a critical role in promoting participant safety, stability, and empowerment while ensuring the overall security and smooth operation of the shelter environment.

Job Duties:

• Schedule and facilitate regular meetings with participants to support progress in areas such as employment, education, financial stability, healthy relationships, and children’s needs.
• Conduct intake assessments and develop individualized goal plans and safety plans.
• Monitor and document participant progress, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
• Communicate relevant participant information to appropriate YWCA staff while maintaining confidentiality.
• Serve as a liaison to community resources, including housing programs, landlords, government agencies, and other local service providers.
• Complete intake screenings to admit women and children into shelter services.
• Orient new participants to shelter guidelines and expectations, ensuring consistent enforcement of policies and procedures.
• Maintain the safety and security of the shelter by monitoring phones, door access, security systems, fire alarms, and completing required safety checks.
• Train, support, and provide feedback to interns, volunteers, and Shelter Support Specialists.
• Participate in the on-call rotation and assist with shift coverage as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Female (BFOQ).
• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field such as social work, Child Development and Family Science (CDFS), sociology, criminal justice, or human services required.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to effectively manage a high-volume workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Must successfully meet all background check requirements.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including on-call, evening, and weekend shifts.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of domestic violence, homelessness, mental health, substance use, and child development.
• Knowledge of local community resources and the ability to navigate and collaborate within social service systems.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of current vehicle insurance required.
• Demonstrate understanding of, appreciation for, and commitment to the mission of YWCA Cass Clay: eliminating racism and empowering women.