Overnight Shelter Advocate

Susan B. Anthony Project•Torrington, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Overnight Shelter Advocate supports and facilitates the healing of victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families by providing counseling, resources, and legal, medical, and other social-service advocacy. The role serves sheltered and non-sheltered clients and helps maintain safe, clean shelter and transitional living program (TLP) environments. It also supports crisis coverage and residential services during overnight shifts, with possible coverage responsibilities during other shifts and emergencies.

Requirements

Education and experience may be 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 and systems perspectives on domestic violence and sexual abuse issues into work.
Certification as a domestic violence/sexual assault counselor per statute.
Willingness to participate as a team member to improve agency communication and operations.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and follow-up skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or other programs.
Use of positive communication and proactive conflict resolution.
Ability to work with other agencies, systems, the board, and volunteers.
Daily access to a car and a valid Connecticut driver’s license.
Ability to lift and move 25 pounds.
Patience and a sense of humor.
Essential personnel classification requires coverage of critical crisis services and residential presence during all shifts, including daytime, nights, overnights, weekends, holidays, storms, and other emergency situations.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with staff to provide crisis-line coverage 24/7/365 and be available for after-hours shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Provide supportive counseling, advocacy, referrals, and follow-up for sheltered and non-sheltered clients using an empowerment approach.
Complete shelter screenings and intakes within 24 hours according to established guidelines.
Welcome and orient new residents.
Support residents in establishing and achieving short- and long-term goals.
Conduct case-management meetings.
Coordinate and facilitate client house meetings for shelter and TLP residents.
Assist residents leaving shelter with transitions to other living situations, including referrals, furniture, security deposits, and applications.
Clean resident rooms after exits and prepare rooms for new residents.
Help create a safe and clean living environment by participating in shelter cleaning.
Accompany adult victims and survivors to hospitals or private physicians, police, or court when requested, and provide advocacy or emotional support at their request.
Stay informed about services, referral resources, legislation, and policies concerning victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Maintain regular contact with community organizations and service providers to support effective referrals.
Co-facilitate support groups and make efforts to provide childcare when necessary.
Assist with community education and provide in-services as requested.
Provide information, application assistance, and support for Victim Compensation funds.
Maintain and provide service data and statistics as required.
Participate in individual and group supervision, advocate meetings, and co-facilitator meetings.
Provide TLP office hours.
Conduct safety inspections of TLP units and buildings to ensure safety and cleanliness.
Prepare TLP apartments for new residents, including cleaning and necessary maintenance after client exits.
Complete required paperwork, forms, and reports accurately and by program deadlines.
Coordinate with the Shelter Manager to address and schedule necessary building maintenance.
Represent Susan B. Anthony Project as an ambassador and participate in events, programs, and awareness and advocacy promotions.
Perform other duties as assigned to further the agency’s mission.