Lead Residential Advocate

Appleseed Community Mental Health Center Inc•Ashland, OH

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About The Position

Appleseed Community Mental Health Center is seeking a compassionate and dependable Residential Advocate to join our Safe Haven shelter team. This full-time, first-shift position (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) provides support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This role is ideal for someone who is calm under pressure, values trauma-informed care, and is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for residents. Job Overview: The Lead Residential Advocate provides trauma-informed compassionate and confidential support to victims across various platforms, including phone hotline, online chat, text, and instant messaging. This position plays a key role in ensuring that survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related forms of violence receive confidential, compassionate, and timely support. The Lead Residential Advocate assists with the day-to-day operations of the shelter, including resident needs, crisis intervention, safety planning, and documentation. Responsibilities also include general cleaning duties and upkeep of the shelter to help maintain a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for all residents and staff. As the lead advocate you also perform duties assisting residents with life skills, appointments, transportation and mentoring. The lead advocate will also act as a mentor to the newer and less experienced advocates.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience working with individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or related trauma preferred.
Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
Must pass background check, drug test and meet all agency hiring standards.
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or related trauma preferred.

Responsibilities

Greets residents and visitors in a welcoming manner, ensuring their concerns are addressed upon entry.
Provide crisis support and trauma-informed services to shelter residents and hotline requests.
Offer individualized safety planning, in-person support, and follow-up services.
Support residents in accessing basic needs, including food, clothing, transportation, hygiene supplies, and other shelter resources.
Acts as a liaison for any conflict resolution needs among residents
Addresses any compliance issues with residents prior to seeking assistance from Shelter Manager
Addresses residents in a trauma-informed manner while speaking to them and regarding them to co-workers
Assist with daily shelter operations, including health and safety checks, cleaning tasks, and encouraging positive interactions among residents.
Maintain confidentiality and deliver services in alignment with ODVN (Ohio Domestic Violence Network) and OAESV (Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence) standards.
Demonstrate knowledge of shelter rights and responsibilities and educate residents as needed.
Use Language Line, video phone, or other tools to serve Limited English Proficient and/or Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals.
Complete timely and accurate documentation of client intakes, exits, resource referrals, and services in Osnium.
Responsible for providing clear and concise shift summaries through both verbal communication and written documentation to ensure continuity of operations.
Administer outcome and exit surveys with residents and documenting in Osnium upon completion
Communicate concerns respectfully to the Shelter Manager or Program Director as needed.
Participate in staff meetings, training, and supervisory sessions.
Provides confidential and timely supportive services to survivors and secondary survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and/or stalking as well provide 24-hour crisis hotline and/or in person crisis intervention, hospital advocacy, court advocacy, individualized safety planning, follow-ups, resources and information, and other services as needed as well as education and outreach.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Manager or Program Director.