Shelter Advocate
About The Position
The Shelter Advocate provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy, crisis response, and supportive services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, or sexual exploitation. The role supports participants using 24/7 shelter, crisis line, and walk-in services, and helps foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Advocates provide wraparound support, including safety planning, resource coordination, and survivor-led advocacy across multiple systems. This is a full-time position scheduled Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned, and may need to change in response to crises and shelter demands. Consistent, reliable attendance is expected.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least one year of experience providing direct services in a trauma-informed or crisis-response setting.
- Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or human trafficking dynamics and survivor-centered practices.
- Strong communication skills and ability to de-escalate crisis situations and engage diverse populations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, and technology.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds.
Responsibilities
- Provide confidential, trauma-informed advocacy, safety planning, and crisis intervention by phone, in person, and through walk-in services.
- Respond to crisis-line calls and law enforcement referrals with timely follow-up and support.
- Screen and coordinate access to emergency shelter when space is available.
- Maintain ongoing engagement with participants through check-ins and support.
- Complete intakes, orient new participants, and communicate shelter expectations and available services.
- Support residents with daily living needs, including cleaning, meal preparation, food portioning, and parenting support.
- Clean, conduct safety checks, and prepare spaces for new participants during unit turnover.
- Collaborate with team members to provide coordinated, survivor-centered services.
- Participate in team meetings to share updates on participant needs, goals, and barriers.
- Support onboarding, training, and mentoring of new staff, volunteers, and interns as assigned.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in Apricot and other data systems.
- Complete documentation for critical incidents, including mandated reports and safety concerns, and perform additional administrative duties.
Benefits
- Free virtual mental health counseling for employees and their families.
- Free telemedicine for employees and enrolled family members.
- 401(k) after 90 days, with up to a 4% employer match after one year.
- Paid parental leave after one year of service.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage, eligible the first month after 30 days.
- HSA and FSA options.
- Free basic life and AD&D insurance.
- Free long-term disability insurance.
- Voluntary short-term disability insurance.
- PTO starting at 168 hours, increasing after 24 months.
- 11 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays.
- Paid birthday off.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
