Shelter Advocate

Friends Against Family Violence; Vernal (UT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Friends Against Family Violence in Utah's Vernal area seeks Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates to provide client-centered support to survivors, assist with crisis lines, data entry, and shelter operations, and help raise community awareness. You will work rotating shifts, pass background checks, and have strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills, and empathy.

This role requires physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs and walk stairs, contributing to a safe, supportive

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must pass criminal background check and drug screen.
• Willingness to work rotating day, night, and graveyard shifts.
• Previous shelter experience preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs and navigate stairs.

Responsibilities

• Provide victim-centered services in a shelter and to crisis-line callers.
• Data entry of intake forms, notes and program records per policies.
• Offer crisis intervention and referrals to survivors and children.
• Assess client needs and eligibility for services.
• Support clients with daily living skills and community resources.
• Coordinate with shelter staff and community partners as needed.
• Attend trainings and contribute to program goals.

Skills

Active listening

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computer basic skills

Job description

Job Description: Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates are responsible for providing victim focused domestic violence services, data entry, education and crisis intervention for survivors of domestic violence and their children, who are residents of the shelter, and to telephone callers in crisis. Shelter Advocates also help to maintain the shelter facility and assist in raising community awareness regarding the impact of domestic violence.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work cooperatively with the shelter director to meet the goals of the program.
• Data entry of intake information, process notes and other data as needed. Ensure documentation in client records is appropriate, accurate, timely and in accordance with agency policies and grant funding requirements.
• Provide services to clients including but not limited to:
• Crisis intervention and referrals for callers on the crisis line.
• Intake and eligibility evaluations to determine client’s needs and appropriateness for services.
• Interact with clients in the community areas of the shelter and role model appropriate social skills, conflict resolution, parenting and other skills of daily living.
• Information regarding community service agencies
• Act as liaison between client and community partners as needed
• Support and education regarding domestic violence issues using a nonjudgmental approach in working with clients.
• Conduct walk-thru(s) throughout the assigned shift and ensure alarms are activated according to agency protocols.
• Attend, participate in, and conduct appropriate training and education, as requested.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in relation to the goals of the program.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be able to pass criminal background check as well as drug screen
• Willingness to work rotating shifts including day, night and graveyards
• Previous experience working in shelter setting preferred
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs. and be able to walk up stairways for organization of donation storage and accessing client living quarters.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office machinery.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that demonstrate genuine concern and respect toward clients and other staff.
• Ability to provide active listening, encouragement and empowerment to clients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and adhering to agency and professional codes of ethics.
• Ability to accept, understand and relate sensitively to people of varied socio-economic, racial, cultural, gender preference, sexual and experiential backgrounds.