Shelter Advocate

Laurel House • Lansdale, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Laurel House is dedicated to providing supportive services and advocacy to individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Our mission is to empower survivors and create a community where they can rebuild their lives free from abuse. We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Shelter Advocate to provide counseling, advocacy, and supportive services to adults and their children who have experienced domestic violence. This role is primarily based in a housing/shelter setting , where you will assist residents with safety planning, goal setting, and access to essential resources. The Shelter Advocate also serves as a liaison between Laurel House and the community by participating in outreach and community committee work as needed.

Requirements

• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence, families, and marginalized communities preferred.
• Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds .
• Bachelor's degree preferred, or 1-2 years of relevant experience in a residential or crisis intervention setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong attention to detail.
• Highly motivated with a passion for the mission of Laurel House .

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish or ASL) candidates preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual empowerment counseling and advocacy to shelter residents.
• Respond to hotline and textline inquiries, offering crisis support, safety planning, and referrals.
• Conduct client screenings, intakes, and documentation for shelter admissions.
• Assist residents in identifying and accessing resources for housing, finances, healthcare, and more .
• Facilitate house meetings and resident group programming in collaboration with the counseling department and Shelter Manager.
• Ensure the security and overall well-being of residents and shelter property.
• Organize and manage donations , ensuring proper documentation and storage.
• Maintain shelter cleanliness and a welcoming environment for all residents.
• Remain on-site until the next staff member arrives to ensure 24/7 coverage of the shelter and hotline.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Make a meaningful impact by supporting survivors of domestic violence.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment .
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in the community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees