Per Diem Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate- Greater New Haven

BHcare Inc.•Ansonia, CT

21d•Onsite

About The Position

To create an environment that supports individual safety and breaks the cycle of domestic violence by providing services that include crisis intervention/safety planning, prevention programs, and public policy advocacy. Accountable and responsible for the following responsibilities: Complete all intakes and orient new residents and their children to the safe house. Collaborate with office staff regarding sheltering and transport of new clients. Provide emotional support to help adults and children understand feelings and behaviors in response to abuse and specific ways to build self-esteem and more adaptive coping strategies through weekly scheduled appointments. Collaborate with outside providers, (i.e. substance abuse, mental health, police department, hospital, etc.) to ensure client’s needs are met. Provide transportation for shelter clients, medical needs, shopping, education program, cultural activities, etc. Maintain an active presence at the shelter while providing a safe and positive environment. Provide clients with information and referral and resources outside of the domestic violence program. Provide support groups as requested by Program Manager. Responsible for Hotline coverage. Assist client’s in developing safety planning which address client’s particular situations. Develop, monitor and update clients service plans to include advocacy, crisis intervention, and referrals to appropriate services. Ensure all documentation is complete by end of shift. Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of house along with shelter clients. Responsible for preparing rooms for intake and discharge. Responsible for household, adhering to food inventory schedule and weekly grocery shopping depending on shift worked. Required to remain awake and alert on all shifts. Attends training sessions, workshops, seminars as requested by supervisor, or as needed for professional development, or as required for accreditation or licensing. Required to use own vehicle on company business or to transport clients. Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position. May perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred. In lieu of Bachelor’s degree: Associates degree or college coursework equivalent (2 years) and 2 years work experience in human services; OR high school diploma and minimum of 4 years of experience in human services.
Substitution of appropriate college training is allowed but subject to funder’s approval,
Two years Advocacy and/or direct service experience working with survivors of domestic violence in a community-based setting preferred.
Must be able to obtain and maintain the certified domestic violence counselor per CGS 52-146k before providing direct service to clients, followed with six-hour recertification yearly.
Strong Written Communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of clients.
Must be proficient in Microsoft 365. Must be able to navigate through electronic health records system (EHR).
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable at a reasonable rate under the Organization’s auto insurance plan.
Must be able to obtain and maintain BLS certification

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Crisis intervention and counseling skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete all intakes and orient new residents and their children to the safe house.
Collaborate with office staff regarding sheltering and transport of new clients.
Provide emotional support to help adults and children understand feelings and behaviors in response to abuse and specific ways to build self-esteem and more adaptive coping strategies through weekly scheduled appointments.
Collaborate with outside providers, (i.e. substance abuse, mental health, police department, hospital, etc.) to ensure client’s needs are met.
Provide transportation for shelter clients, medical needs, shopping, education program, cultural activities, etc.
Maintain an active presence at the shelter while providing a safe and positive environment.
Provide clients with information and referral and resources outside of the domestic violence program.
Provide support groups as requested by Program Manager.
Responsible for Hotline coverage.
Assist client’s in developing safety planning which address client’s particular situations.
Develop, monitor and update clients service plans to include advocacy, crisis intervention, and referrals to appropriate services.
Ensure all documentation is complete by end of shift.
Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of house along with shelter clients.
Responsible for preparing rooms for intake and discharge.
Responsible for household, adhering to food inventory schedule and weekly grocery shopping depending on shift worked.
Required to remain awake and alert on all shifts.
Attends training sessions, workshops, seminars as requested by supervisor, or as needed for professional development, or as required for accreditation or licensing.
Required to use own vehicle on company business or to transport clients.
Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.
May perform other duties as assigned.