Shelter Advocate

BHcare; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 22,041 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

BHcare is seeking a compassionate Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate to support adults and children in a New Haven safe house. The role involves welcoming residents, conducting intakes, crisis intervention, safety planning, and linking clients to community resources.

You will assist with transportation, documentation, and service plans while maintaining a safe shelter environment. Part-time evening/night shifts are required, with weekend coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or related experience as an alternative
• 2 years advocacy/direct service with survivors preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and ability to navigate EHR systems
• Strong written communication skills required

Responsibilities

• Welcome residents and children, complete intakes, and provide shelter orientation
• Offer crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support
• Provide referrals to healthcare, education, and social services
• Facilitate transportation to appointments, school, and activities
• Collaborate with law enforcement, hospitals, and providers to meet client needs
• Maintain a safe, clean, supportive shelter environment
• Assist clients with service plans to achieve safety and independence
• Cover 24/7 hotline and respond to crisis calls
• Complete documentation promptly and accurately

Skills

Advocacy

Crisis intervention

Written communication

Bilingual English/Spanish

Microsoft 365

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Associates degree or college coursework (2 yrs) + 2 yrs human services experience

High school diploma + 4 yrs human services experience

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Shelter, New Haven, CT - New Haven, CT
• Position Type: Part Time
• Education Level: High School
• Travel Percentage: Up to 25%
• Job Shift: Night/Overnight
• Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services
• Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate

BHcare is seeking a caring and dedicated Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate to provide direct support to adults and children in our safe house.

This role is essential in creating a safe environment while empowering clients to heal, rebuild, and thrive.

Schedule: Part-time

Saturday and Sunday, 6:45am-3:15pm 16 hours per week

What You’ll Do:

• Welcome new residents and their children, complete intakes, and provide orientation to the shelter.
• Offer crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support to survivors and their families.
• Provide individual support and referrals to community resources such as healthcare, education, and social services.
• Facilitate transportation for clients to medical appointments, school, shopping, and activities.
• Collaborate with community partners, including law enforcement, hospitals, and other providers, to ensure client needs are met.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive shelter environment.
• Assist clients with developing and following through on service plans to achieve safety and independence.
• Cover the 24/7 hotline and respond to crisis calls with compassion and professionalism.
• Ensure all documentation is completed promptly and accurately.

What We’re Looking For:

• Compassionate, reliable, and committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence.
• Strong communication and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and professional in challenging situations.
• Comfortable collaborating with both clients and external providers.
• Must remain awake and alert during shifts.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

Why Join BHcare?

At BHcare, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team working to break the cycle of domestic violence and build stronger, safer communities. We offer a supportive environment where your work truly changes lives.

Be a voice of hope. Be an advocate for safety.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider applicants for this position without regard to any category protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status or uniformed service member.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. In lieu of Bachelor’s degree: Associates degree or college coursework equivalent (2 years) and 2 years work experience in human services; OR high school diploma and minimum of 4 years of experience in human services.
• Substitution of appropriate college training is allowed but subject to funder’s approval,
• Two years Advocacy and/or direct service experience working with survivors of domestic violence in a community-based setting preferred.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the certified domestic violence counselor per CGS 52-146k before providing direct service to clients, followed with six-hour recertification yearly.
• Strong Written Communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of clients.
• Crisis intervention and counseling skills preferred.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft 365. Must be able to navigate through electronic health records system (EHR).
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable at a reasonable rate under the Organization’s auto insurance plan.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS

• Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR/ First Aid/ AED certification