Per Diem DV/SA Shelter Advocate

Susan B. Anthony Project•Torrington, CT

15h•Onsite

About The Position

This per diem position facilitates healing for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing emotional support to them and their significant others. The role also involves acting as an advocate with legal, medical, and other social service professionals. The mission of the Susan B. Anthony Project is to promote safety, healing, and growth for all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, and to advocate for the autonomy of women and the end of interpersonal violence.

Requirements

Education and experience that may have been gained through relevant training, employment, or volunteer experience.
Knowledge of counseling and social services.
Ability to understand and incorporate the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence into work.
Ability to understand and incorporate political/system's perspective of domestic violence/sexual abuse issues into work.
Training - certification as DV/SA counselor per statute.
Willingness to participate as a member of a team to enhance agency communication and operation.
Excellent problem solving, communications and follow up skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Platform, and/or other programs.
Use of positive communications and proactive conflict resolution.
Ability to work with other agencies, systems, board and volunteers.
Daily access to a car with a valid CT driver’s license.
Able to lift and move 25 pounds.
Patience and a sense of humor.
Employees who are required to be certified to provide direct service to clients under the CGS 52-146K and the managers to these employees, are considered essential personnel. Their classification as essential personnel requires coverage of critical crisis services and residential presence during all shifts; daytime, nights, overnights, weekends, holidays, storms and other emergency situations.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with other staff to provide crisis line coverage 24/7/365 and be available for after-hours shifts as required, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Provide support counseling, advocacy, referral and follow-up for sheltered and non-sheltered clients using empowerment approach to enhance confidence and self-esteem.
Complete shelter screenings and intakes (within 24 hours) per established intake guidelines.
Welcome and orient new residents.
Support residents in establishing and achieving short and long-term goals.
Coordinate and facilitate weekly client house meetings.
Assist residents leaving shelter in transition to another living situation (including referrals, furniture, security deposits, applications).
Provide necessary cleaning of resident rooms upon exit.
Prepare rooms for new resident arrival.
Work to create a safe and clean-living environment by participating in cleaning the shelter.
Accompany adult victims/survivors to a hospital or private physician, police and/or court when requested.
Provide advocacy and/or emotional support upon victim's/survivor’s request.
Keep informed of all services, referral resources, legislation, and policies regarding victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Make regular contact with community organizations/service providers to assure effective referrals.
Co-facilitate support groups and make every effort to provide childcare, if necessary.
Assist with community education and provide in-services as requested.
Provide application and information and support for Victim Compensation funds.
Maintain and provide service data/statistics as required.
Participate in individual and group supervision including advocate meetings and co-facilitator meetings.
Be an ambassador for Susan B. Anthony Project. Participate in events, programs and promotions of awareness and advocacy.
Must be available to work overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Other duties as assigned to further the mission of the agency.