Residential Advocate; Monday- Friday 8am-5pm

Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County•Galveston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Advocate provides support, information, advocacy, safety planning, and crisis intervention to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and their children residing in RCC's emergency shelter. The role helps ensure that the shelter is a safe and welcoming refuge for survivors. This is a non-exempt, full-time position in Galveston, Texas, scheduled Monday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; inclement weather shifts may be required as needed. The position reports to the Client Services Manager and has no direct reports.

Requirements

At least 3 years of work experience in social services or a related field, closely aligned with the essential job functions.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Commitment to supporting and empowering victims of crime and advocating against violence and sexual violence.
Ability to establish rapport and maintain healthy boundaries.
Ability to present oneself in a personable and professional manner with clients and staff.
Ability to weigh personal needs, client needs, and RCCGC aims and policies, and respond appropriately to competing needs.
Ability to remain calm and supportive during psychological emergencies and crises.
Politeness, compassion, courtesy, and tact when interacting with the public, victims, their families, law enforcement, and agency staff.
Enhanced self-awareness in relating to others and ability to modify personal style as conditions warrant.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Knowledge, experience, and demonstrated skill in crisis intervention; hotline and emergency response; victims’ rights and available services; domestic violence; sexual violence; or law enforcement and court procedures.
Knowledge and experience with trauma theory and working with survivors of trauma.
CPR and First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

Provide client orientation and assist with shelter intakes as needed.
Provide crisis intervention, peer counseling, safety planning, information and referrals, and advocacy to shelter residents.
Help ensure the shelter operates in an orderly manner and remains safe and welcoming for all residents.
Communicate with RCC team members to share up-to-date information and support appropriate client follow-up.
Assist survivors with arranging transportation to and from appointments.
Assist with answering hotline calls.
Inform clients about domestic violence and community services, make referrals, and assist with planning resources they may need when moving into another program.
Assist with facilitating house meetings with residents.
Complete required documentation and enter data into the client database accurately and promptly.
Maintain service delivery records, advocacy plans, and other documentation according to confidentiality guidelines.
Maintain the daily guest communications log and document changes in policies and procedures.
Initiate and help plan special shelter events.
Attend relevant staff meetings, trainings, and agency or community events as directed.
Assist other staff with direct service responsibilities.
Perform other duties as assigned.