Shelter Advocate- Weekends

The Women's Center; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Women's Center in Milwaukee, WI is seeking a Full–time Shelter Advocate to provide trauma-informed crisis intervention, advocacy, and support for shelter residents and hotline callers. The role requires availability for evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays as needed.

You will collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure safe shelter operations, maintain client confidentiality, and connect clients with transportation and community resources.

Qualifications

• Experience in domestic violence, sexual violence, or shelter settings preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and support for residents and hotline callers.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming environment and address conflicts among residents.
• Cover 24-hour crisis hotline as needed and pre-screen prospective residents.
• Document interactions, services, and referrals in databases and files.
• Respect client confidentiality and follow applicable regulations.
• Assist with accessing transportation and community resources for clients.
• Support shelter operations by coordinating with staff and volunteers.
• Attend trainings and participate in team meetings to improve services.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Multi-line phone system

Documentation

Confidentiality

Team collaboration

Client-centered approach

Resource referrals

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position: Full–time, 32 hours, Friday 4:00 pm to 12:00 AM, Saturday & Sunday 9 am to 9 pm, some holidays required.

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Director of Shelter and Transitional Living

Location: 505 Building

Mission:

The mission of The Women's Center is to provide safety, shelter, and support to empower all impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse, and trafficking.

Summary/ Objective:

This role provides trauma-informed crisis intervention, advocacy, and support services to shelter residents and hotline callers. The Shelter Advocate works collaboratively with clients, staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure quality services and effective shelter operations. Must be available to work assigned shifts, including evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays as needed.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Client Services & Crisis Response

• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, emotional support, and resource referrals to shelter residents and hotline callers.
• Actively engage in maintaining a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment while assisting individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and child abuse.
• Serve as primary staff coverage for the 24-hour crisis hotline, including information and referral services, crisis intervention, and pre-screening of prospective shelter residents.
• Utilize a trauma-informed and client-centered approach when interacting with all clients.
• Assist clients with accessing transportation, community resources, and other supportive services as needed.
• Mediate conflicts between residents and promote a safe, respectful living environment.
• Conduct routine facility rounds to ensure the safety and security of residents, visitors, and staff.
• Respond when necessary to designated Waukesha County hospitals to provide in person advocacy.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information and services.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete client records, reports, and statistical data.
• Document client interactions, hotline calls, services provided, and other required information in electronic databases and paper files during each shift.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, as well as all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Shelter Operations

• Support the day-to-day operation of residential programs to ensure a safe, organized, and welcoming environment.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, sanitary, and orderly facility.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with team members regarding client needs and program operations.
• Maintain current and accessible information regarding community resources and referral options.
• Receive, document, organize, and distribute donations as appropriate.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, crises, and safety concerns
• Welcome visitors, donors, and community members, directing inquiries to the appropriate staff as needed.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues to support client needs and organizational goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills:

• Experience working or volunteering in domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, crisis intervention, social services, or residential shelter programs
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to answer and engage with callers on a multi-line telephone system.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and trauma-informed care practices
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-stress or potentially confrontational situations
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor information to diverse audiences.
• Strong active listening, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Reading Comprehension - understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Proficiency in managing multiple priorities and meeting documentation deadlines
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, critical thinking, and effective problem-solving in dynamic situations
• Ability to adapt and respond appropriately to changing client and program needs.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Language Requirements

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English proficiently.
• Ability to effectively respond to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, community partners, and members of the public.