Overnight Shelter Advocate

Susan B. Anthony Project•Torrington, CT

3d•$23 - $25•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 provides support, advocacy, referrals, and follow-up for sheltered and non-sheltered clients using an empowerment approach, while helping residents establish goals, transition from shelter, and access community services. The advocate contributes to crisis-line coverage and residential services, including overnight, weekend, holiday, and emergency coverage. The position also supports shelter and Transitional Living Program (TLP) operations through intake, resident orientation, case management, meetings, safety inspections, cleaning, apartment preparation, recordkeeping, and coordination of maintenance. Additional work includes community education, support groups, referrals, victim-compensation assistance, and representing the agency at events and awareness activities.

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 the work.
Ability to understand and incorporate political and systems perspectives on domestic violence and sexual abuse issues into the work.
Certification as a DV/SA counselor per statute.
Willingness to participate as a team member to enhance 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.
As essential personnel, provide coverage of critical crisis services and residential presence across daytime, night, overnight, weekend, holiday, storm, and other emergency shifts.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with staff to provide 24/7/365 crisis-line coverage and cover after-hours shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Provide support 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.
Help residents leaving shelter transition to another living situation, including through referrals and assistance with furniture, security deposits, and applications.
Clean resident rooms after exits and prepare rooms for new arrivals.
Help maintain a safe and clean shelter environment, including participating in shelter cleaning.
Accompany adult victims and survivors to hospitals or private physicians, police, and/or court when requested, providing advocacy or emotional support as requested.
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 every effort 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 the building 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 meet program deadlines and compliance standards.
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.