Shelter Advocate

Journey Center for Safety and Healing•Cleveland, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Shelter Advocate works to ensure that clients at Journey Center’s Emergency Shelter have a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for them to process their experiences and develop skills to a life free from domestic violence. Under the general supervision of shelter leadership, the Shelter Advocate provides support, advocacy, and general oversight of shelter operations and client wellbeing while clients are residing at shelter.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience working in the areas of domestic violence and child abuse
Must have and maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license with appropriate insurance coverage; Must maintain appropriate driving record
Must be available to work extended and non-traditional work hours; Have the ability to tailor work hours to the needs of families
Ability to make sensitive and insightful observations of individuals and to determine a course of intervention
Knowledge and compassion towards working with adults who have experienced domestic violence and/or child abuse
Knowledge of civil and criminal court system, crisis intervention practices, interviewing, community referrals and resources, crime victimization, victim’s rights, and advocacy techniques; Show competent knowledge of agency and services provided
Knowledge regarding domestic violence safety issues
Knowledge of social, emotional, and personal aspects of domestic violence
Sensitivity to working with diverse cultures and language abilities
Computer skills with word processing, database management, e-mail, fax, Windows applications capabilities
Ability to address crisis situations which require prompt decision and action
Working knowledge of community resources available for adult/child victims of domestic violence
Ability to perform job duties with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment
Thorough knowledge of rules, regulations, functions, procedures, organization, and policies governing the operations of Journey Center for Safety and Healing
Ability to analyze problems and develop a plan of action/correction
Ability to organize work, engage in a variety of tasks, and consistently meet deadlines
Demonstrated sound judgment and outstanding interpersonal skills
Good written and verbal communication
Commitment to child abuse and domestic violence prevention
Experience in and commitment to building and supporting trauma informed organizations
Maintain a positive attitude
Ability to incorporate Journey Center’s Values into assigned duties

Responsibilities

Providing 24-hour coverage of shelter to ensure clients have access to emergency assistance and supportive services while residing in shelter
Answer the 24/7 helpline, conduct intakes and assessments with potential clients, and/or provide linkage to internal and external services as needed
Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and resources to helpline callers
Maintain accurate documentation of each helpline call
Report known/suspected child abuse and complete necessary documentation
Facilitate intake process for new clients entering shelter and ensure completion of preliminary intake paperwork within 48 hours of arrival to shelter
Prepare all needed items for new clients coming into shelter (scrubs, blankets, sheets, toiletries, infant/child needs, etc.), ensure proper hotbox treatment of all client items and ensure unoccupied bedrooms are clean and ready for new intake
Carry out general operations of the shelter and ensure that services are provided to clients in compliance with the policies, procedures, and requirements of operation set forth by Journey Center and its funders
Provide a supportive environment for clients and listen to clients with a non-judgmental attitude
Respond to any crisis situations that arise during the shift and when necessary, notify the appropriate staff members
Develop and maintain case records in agency database that document services provided to clients in accordance with agency standards and funders
Review and document in Shelter Daily Log during every shift and address pertinent client issues during shift change
Assist with closure of shelter client records in collaboration with shelter leadership
Provide coverage of the advocate office, including answering the business phone number and monitoring individuals entering and exiting shelter
Review safety and risk management planning and participation in information sharing during weekly team meetings
Participate in staff meetings and other meetings as needed
Facilitate/co-facilitate support and/or education groups as assigned
Performs general housekeeping responsibilities, as needed, including sweeping floors, taking out garbage, stocking supplies for residents, washing linens, sorting donations and putting them away
Respect, understand, and promote Journey Center’s mission, vision, values, and goals
Complete agency orientation and training to meet job requirements
Assumes other responsibilities and duties as directed or assigned