Childrens Program Shelter Advocate
About The Position
YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The organization provides services addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, community violence, before- and after-school programming, and leadership and inclusion initiatives. Reporting to the Shelter Manager, the Children’s Services & Family Advocate maintains a safe, confidential, and trauma-informed environment for clients of the Center for Safety and Empowerment. The role provides crisis intervention, advocacy, children’s services, and intensive case management to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking, with a specialized focus on children and family systems in the shelter setting. This is an exempt, full-time position scheduled Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The position also participates in an on-call rotation that may require after-hours, overnight, weekend, or holiday availability. The work environment is an office, with travel throughout a multi-county rural service area required.
Requirements
- At minimum, a degree in Social Work, Public Health, Human Services, or a related field; relevant professional experience may substitute for formal education depending on its nature and scope.
- Basic understanding of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking dynamics.
- Knowledge of local community resources and support services.
- Sensitivity to the needs of others.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage individuals in crisis.
- Ability to function effectively in a crisis setting where interruptions are frequent.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel within service areas.
- Valid driver’s license, transportation, and auto insurance for required travel throughout the multi-county rural service area.
- Dedication to relationship building and teamwork, while exercising significant initiative and autonomy.
- Commitment to the YWCA mission and values, including a strong focus on racial equity and social justice.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and climb flights of stairs multiple times daily.
- Pass various background checks.
Responsibilities
- Provide or coordinate advocacy and support, including crisis intervention, safety planning, shelter-based case management, referrals, service coordination, and court advocacy.
- Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and safety planning in person and by phone.
- Respond to victims and survivors at police stations and hospitals during assigned shifts.
- Answer hotline calls and provide support.
- Manage a caseload of case-management clients, including families with children.
- Assist clients in accessing safe and affordable housing, healthcare, mental healthcare, financial assistance, employment opportunities, and other income supports.
- Provide advocacy and/or transportation to community appointments, including medical, mental health, and housing appointments.
- Complete required documentation for each client served and enter client contacts, services, and case notes into the agency database accurately, promptly, and confidentially.
- Maintain confidentiality, ethical standards, and trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices in client interactions.
- Assist victims and survivors with completing and filing Protection Orders.
- Develop, implement, and facilitate weekly trauma-informed children’s support groups at CSE shelters.
- Collaborate with KCSDV and community partners to support and enhance children’s programming.
- Educate children and caregivers about trauma’s impact on children, healthy child development, and strategies for strengthening resilience and coping skills.
- Create and maintain a shelter welcome packet for families that includes child-focused trauma education and available resources.
- Develop and maintain an up-to-date list of community resources for children residing in shelter.
- Provide consultation and technical assistance to shelter staff working with residents who have children.
- Communicate regularly with community partners about available resources; refer and coordinate services for needs not provided by CSE.
- Attend community meetings and collaborate with partner agencies as needed to support client services and systems coordination.
- Attend required YWCA Northeast Kansas, CSE, and shelter staff meetings; promote teamwork and open communication.
- Participate in the on-call rotation, including after-hours, overnight, weekend, or holiday availability as required.
- Practice cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in day-to-day interactions and perform other duties assigned by the supervisor or CEO.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
