Advocate

The primary responsibility of an Advocate is to provide crisis intervention, referrals, resources and services to both residential and non-residential clients.
Job Duties/Responsibilities
• Responsible for creating a safe and welcoming environment for clients by greeting clients, responding to client request(s) for assistance or supplies needed, and ensuring clients are provided a high quality of emotional support.
• Complete intakes and orientate survivors and their children to the shelter as needed and ensure their initial needs are met. This also includes explaining and enforcing shelter guidelines and rules as they come in.
• As tasks at shelter vary each day, Advocates should assist in providing crisis intervention services. These services will include answering emergency hotline and business lines, providing emergency financial assistance, making referrals, notification of client rights, individual support, resource and referral information as needed.
• To ensure cleanliness and order of the shelter, Advocate will restock interior storage as needed, do laundry to maintain linen supply, sweep, keep entryway free of any clutter, and any other task needed to maintain order in the shelter
• We believe teamwork leads to better quality services. Advocate should consult on-call staff in handling emergencies and issues related to children and adults living at the shelter, documenting appropriately and timely.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and any required ad-hoc meetings scheduled
• Maintain annual training and certifications as deemed appropriate by the Program Director.
• Before the end of shift, completing daily client service logs showing services provided for each client and complete shift communication log report for next shift.
• Facilitate any program/service provided to clients, including group classes/support groups.
• Take regular inventory and keep grocery/supply list as needed.
• Keep shelter and all equipment in best operable condition while maintaining security at all times.
• Assist with special projects and tasks assigned by the Program Director.

Education and Experience
Required:
• High School Diploma or GED

Preferred:
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Experience in social or human service field (domestic violence, sexual violence) helpful.

Position Criteria
• Ability to relate to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault with empathy and support
• Professional appearance and manner
• Ability to problem-solve and diffuse conflict under pressure
• Completion of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Training conducted by Safe Place, Inc. within 90 days of employment
• Ability to reach, climb, stand, kneel, crouch/stoop, squat, and climb stairs.
• Ability to lift to a minimum of 25 pounds.