Trauma-Informed Shelter Advocate — Crisis & Housing Support

YWCA Union County; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shelter Advocate at YWCA Union County provides crisis intervention and supports residents in the domestic violence shelter under the supervision of the Director of Residential Services. Key duties include answering the 24-hour hotline, facilitating admissions, developing care plans, and linking clients to counseling, housing, legal and community resources using trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches.

Evening and some weekend shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• BA/BSW or commensurate experience.
• Must demonstrate cultural competency through either experience or education.
• Must have some knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and trauma.

Responsibilities

• Answer and help with the 24-hour domestic violence hotline.
• Refers clients to YWCA internal programs providing counseling, workforce development, children’s services, legal services, and other needed services, as well as appropriate community resources for services not covered by YWCA Union County.
• Maintain Client’s files.
• Maintain a caseload of clients.
• Refer and link clients to appropriate services in the community that promote greater self-sufficiency. Monitor the client’s follow-through with these services.
• Perform client intake and needs assessment including completion of all required paperwork for residents.
• Conduct initial pre-screen of clients to determine the need for support in all domains of client's life to deliver affirming, inclusive, and survivor-centered case management services as well as an in-stabilization housing plan.
• Develop a comprehensive care plan jointly with the residents that includes short- and long- term goals focused on attaining, maintaining, and achieving positive psychosocial outcomes.
• At least twice weekly, evaluate and update the client care plan based upon changes to factors detailed in reassessment.
• Develop and maintain individual housing plans upon resident’s entry into The Residential Program and over the course of their residency through to discharge.
• Implement resident case plans in coordination with the Residential Team.
• Evaluate effectiveness of services based upon client outcomes in the scope of work.
• Coordinate clients’ participation in community events as needed.
• Responsible for cleaning client’s room and preparing for new clients.
• Attending staff meetings, conferences and training as directed.
• Representing agency as required at community events, health fairs, etc.
• Conduct outside presentations as required.
• Responsible for modeling healthy boundaries, respectful behavior, and open communication
• Provide Director of Residential Services and Shelter Coordinator with information on potential problems and assist in the development of solutions and/or innovative approaches to problems.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Residential and Shelter Coordinator.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Cultural competency

Public speaking

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BA/BSW or commensurate experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Shelter Advocate at YWCA Union County provides crisis intervention and supports residents in the domestic violence shelter under the supervision of the Director of Residential Services. Key duties include answering the 24-hour hotline, facilitating admissions, developing care plans, and linking clients to counseling, housing, legal and community resources using trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches.

Evening and some weekend shifts may be required.