Shelter Night Advocate

YWCA Greater Lafayette; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

YWCA Greater Lafayette in Lafayette, Indiana, is seeking an Overnight Shelter Advocate for full-time, overnight, in-person work. The role focuses on supporting survivors, crisis intervention, intake, safety planning, and maintaining a safe shelter environment.

Responsibilities include coordinating resources, documenting services, and collaborating with day staff. Ideal candidates are independent, calm under stress, and committed to confidentiality; a high school diploma and valid driver's

Qualifications

• A high school diploma and related experience.
• A compassionate, respectful approach to supporting people experiencing crisis.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and respond calmly to stressful situations.
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• A valid driver's license.
• Availability for overnight shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Knowledge of local community resources and support organizations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support survivors overnight. Provide crisis intervention, complete intakes, and assist with safety planning for shelter residents and people seeking help outside the shelter.
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming shelter. Respond to resident needs and assist with household cleaning and light maintenance.
• Connect people with resources. Help survivors access legal, medical, education, and social services through advocacy and referrals.
• Keep information accurate and confidential. Document services, maintain client and program records, and assist with program data.
• Keep the team informed. Communicate overnight concerns, identify food and supply needs, and share information that helps day staff continue supporting residents.
• Continue learning. Participate in staff meetings and complete required continuing education.

Skills

Compassionate and respectful approach

Independent work

Strong communication skills

Confidentiality and boundaries

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

Overnight Shelter Advocate YWCA Greater Lafayette | Lafayette, Indiana Full-Time | Overnight | In Person Pay: $18.00 - $18.50/hour

Make a difference when support can't wait until morning.

A safe place to stay. Someone who listens. A calm, reassuring presence during a difficult night. As an Overnight Shelter Advocate with YWCA Greater Lafayette, you can help provide all three.

Our Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (DVIPP) is looking for a dependable, compassionate person to support survivors and help keep our shelter running overnight. You'll respond to immediate needs, help people navigate next steps, and contribute to an environment where residents feel safe, respected, and supported.

If you work well independently, stay grounded when situations become stressful, and want your work to have a direct impact on others, we'd like to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Support survivors overnight. Provide crisis intervention, complete intakes, and assist with safety planning for shelter residents and people seeking help outside the shelter.
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming shelter. Respond to resident needs and assist with household cleaning and light maintenance.
• Connect people with resources. Help survivors access legal, medical, education, and social services through advocacy and referrals.
• Keep information accurate and confidential. Document services, maintain client and program records, and assist with program data.
• Keep the team informed. Communicate overnight concerns, identify food and supply needs, and share information that helps day staff continue supporting residents.
• Continue learning. Participate in staff meetings and complete required continuing education.

What We're Looking For

• A high school diploma and related experience.
• A compassionate, respectful approach to supporting people experiencing crisis.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and respond calmly to stressful situations.
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• A valid driver's license.
• Availability for overnight shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Knowledge of local community resources and support organizations is preferred.

What to Expect

This is an active support role in a shelter that operates around the clock. Some nights may involve routine resident needs and household tasks. Others may require immediate crisis support, intake, or safety planning. Being dependable, attentive, and ready to adjust is essential.

Schedule: 11:00pm to 7:00am - Sunday night to Friday morning. Weekend and holiday shifts may be required. (Floating holiday policy)

Additional availability: On-call coverage as needed and attendance at a minimum of one staff meeting each month.

Continuing education: Complete 10 continuing education units annually.

Physical responsibilities: Household and office tasks may involve sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Why This Role Matters

For someone facing domestic violence, the overnight hours can bring uncertainty and difficult decisions. Your presence can help make those hours more manageable. Whether you're welcoming someone into shelter, helping develop a safety plan, or listening when someone needs support, your work matters.

Eligible full-time employees have access to a benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement benefits, along with opportunities for professional development.

About YWCA Greater Lafayette

YWCA Greater Lafayette is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through our programs and services, we help individuals and families find support, build stability, and move forward.

YWCA Greater Lafayette is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.