Residential Domestic Violence Advocate (Part-time)

Child and Family Services of Erie County, Inc.•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

Haven House Domestic Violence Shelter is seeking an energetic, empathetic advocate to support individuals experiencing domestic violence and their children at Erie County's only licensed domestic violence shelter. This is a part-time position working a 24-hour work week at $20 per hour. The schedule is Sunday 4 p.m.–12 a.m. and Monday, Thursday, and Friday 5 p.m.–12 a.m. All shifts are awake shifts; employees may not nap or sleep while working. The advocate provides crisis hotline coverage, supportive listening and counseling, crisis intervention, group support, and legal and social services advocacy for adult shelter residents. The role also includes maintaining client files and program records, participating in case conferences and meetings, assisting with residents' day-to-day needs and facility operations, and contributing to programming and quality improvement. The position requires sensitivity to diversity and adherence to empowerment principles and trauma-informed care. The position works in a busy, fast-paced, smoke-free environment at a multi-level residential facility, with possible travel to community sites. The employee must remain alert to facility emergencies and security concerns, communicate effectively with residents, children, colleagues, and community stakeholders, and use agency phone and email systems professionally. A valid New York State driver's license and continued automobile insurance are required.

Requirements

Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or a degree in a related field, or an associate degree with required experience.
Valid New York State driver's license and continued automobile insurance.
Ability to function as a member of a team.
Ability to work in a busy, fast-paced office setting.
Ability to abide by a smoke-free work environment.
Ability to meet the listed essential physical and mental requirements, including moving about the facility and community, communicating effectively, operating office equipment, accessing multi-level buildings, understanding written and spoken information, learning instructions, multitasking, coordinating with others, and interacting appropriately with varied stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
Prior domestic violence experience or experience working with victims of trauma.
CPR or nursing skills.
Familiarity with or clinical training in mental health and substance abuse.

Responsibilities

Provide coverage for the crisis telephone hotline.
Provide supportive listening and counseling to adult shelter residents and conduct crisis intervention as needed.
Conduct group sessions, including house meetings, support groups, and conflict-resolution sessions, as needed.
Maintain up-to-date case files, progress notes, records, statistics, activity sheets, documentation, and logs.
Participate in assigned case conferences and case reviews.
Attend program meetings regularly and initiate or participate in creative programming for shelter residents or staff.
Meet residents' primary needs during assigned shifts, including distributing tokens and supplies.
Assist with cleaning and restocking supplies as needed in the 24-hour residential facility.
Participate in community presentations when necessary.
Perform administrative duties as needed, such as making copies and compiling client intake files.
Provide legal and social services advocacy for shelter residents.
Remain alert during all working hours and respond to physical-plant emergencies or report security breaches.
Model and practice sensitivity, fair treatment, and acceptance of diversity in interpersonal interactions.
Participate in and contribute to the program's Quality Improvement process.
Promote empowerment consistent with the Social Work profession and Domestic Violence Movement, adhering to trauma-informed care principles.
Perform other related duties deemed necessary by the program coordinator.
Maintain and submit required documents and comply with the Vehicle Safety and Usage Policy.
Use agency phone and email systems according to customer-service protocols, including answering and directing calls promptly, returning requests, and demonstrating knowledge of agency programs and services.
Maintain positive working relationships and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with agency staff and internal and external customers.
Work rotating shifts that include evenings, weekends, and holidays.