Shelter Advocate 3pm-11pm (Fri.-Mon.)

YWCA of St. Joseph•Saint Joseph, MO

10d•$15 - $16•Onsite

About The Position

The Shelter Advocate provides trauma-informed services and support to individuals experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or homelessness. Services are delivered in accordance with a woman-defined empowerment model. The role supports callers and walk-in victims, completes shelter intake and orientation, and assists shelter guests throughout their stay. It also helps maintain a safe and secure shelter environment and supports daily shelter operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to effectively engage and build relationships with diverse populations.
Intermediate computer skills.
Ability to pass State Child Abuse/Neglect screening and a Criminal Background Check.
Ability to perform duties involving prolonged standing or sitting, bending, stooping, and occasional lifting.
Ability to perform repetitive hand motions such as typing.
Ability to consistently perform activities requiring cooperation, instruction, persuasion, or speaking with others.
Ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone with guests.
Ability to monitor guest activities and security systems.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence dynamics.

Responsibilities

Answer crisis hotline calls and provide safety planning, crisis intervention, education, and information and referrals.
Triage requests for shelter services and complete a Lethality Assessment when appropriate.
Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and assistance with ex-parte applications to walk-in victims of domestic and/or sexual violence.
Complete intake paperwork and orientation for new shelter guests.
Provide services and support to shelter guests throughout their stay.
Assist with needs and issues related to group living.
Assist with conflict resolution and mediate disagreements when appropriate.
Maintain the safety and security of guests and the shelter facility.
Prompt compliance with shelter guidelines and take corrective action as needed.
Assist with packing vacated guest rooms, cleaning, preparing and serving guest meals, and similar shelter operations tasks.
Document services provided and enter information into the database within three days of direct service.
Maintain statistics and complete assigned reports.
Complete filing.
Attend required or assigned staff meetings and trainings.
Demonstrate commitment to the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
Perform other related duties as assigned.