Shelter Advocate

Project Woman of Ohio • Springfield, OH

1d • $17 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

The Shelter Advocate provides empowerment-based, survivor-defined advocacy and support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and their families who reside in Project Woman’s Emergency Shelter Program. Under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator, the advocate assists residents with daily living needs, provides general support and shelter coverage, and delivers services consistent with domestic violence and rape crisis best practices.

This part-time, hourly, non-exempt role works in a secure shelter environment and regularly supports people in acute distress. It is an awake position with shifts that may include days, evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays to ensure shelter coverage. The starting hourly rate is $16.50, with the opportunity to increase to $17.00 after 90 days.

Requirements

• Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn new technology platforms.
• General knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, social services, and community resources.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with survivors and their families.
• Ability to remain calm and responsive in crisis situations.
• Ability to respect confidentiality and maintain professional ethics and appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, time management, and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to adapt and remain flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to practice good self-care and handle stress positively.
• General knowledge of customer service skills.

Nice To Haves

• Two-year degree in a human services-related field; relevant work or lived experience may be substituted for the degree.
• Experience working in a shelter setting.
• Experience with crisis intervention strategies.
• Experience in domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or related fields.
• Familiarity with Trauma-Informed Approaches, Ohio Rape Crisis Core Standards, and Crisis Intervention.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed direct services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and their children residing in the emergency shelter.
• Provide support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, parenting support, information, and referrals.
• Protect participant privacy and confidentiality in accordance with the Violence Against Women Act and agency policies.
• Use trauma-informed approaches, crisis intervention, and conflict-management strategies when survivors experience trauma reactions.
• Assist shelter residents with daily living needs.
• Provide crisis intervention, resources, and referrals to survivors calling the 24-hour Crisis Line.
• Orient survivors to the shelter upon entry and complete intake services and paperwork within 24 hours of entry.
• Complete exit surveys and required paperwork for survivors leaving shelter.
• Facilitate cooperative living, peer support, and resident participation in shelter programming.
• Model and promote positive, nurturing interactions between adults and children in shelter.
• Assist survivors in developing and achieving survivor-defined goals.
• Communicate shelter expectations and communal living guidelines to residents.
• Address resident difficulties and communal living concerns according to agency protocol, and document discussions.
• Model nonviolent conflict resolution and use nonviolent forms of guidance.
• Work with shelter leadership to respond appropriately to emergencies and maintain resident safety.
• Collect and maintain survivor-level data and documentation in accordance with best practices, funding requirements, and applicable statute requirements.
• Create and contribute to daily log entries, review logs at the start of each shift, and consult with shelter leadership as needed.
• Maintain records and complete paperwork and database entries by the end of each shift.
• Complete assigned house checks.
• Pack residents’ belongings as needed, clean and sanitize rooms after departures, and prepare rooms for the next survivor.
• Address emergency facilities issues and help stock and distribute food and other supplies.
• Maintain the shelter office in accordance with program procedures.
• Follow agency policies and work rules, including confidentiality policies and the code of ethics.
• Assist with monthly emergency evacuation and preparation drills.
• Attend assigned agency and shelter meetings, trainings, and continuing education activities.
• Maintain effective, cooperative relationships with community partners, participants, employees, and volunteers.
• Represent the agency’s mission and philosophy and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Assistance applying for Registered Advocate status or other professional licenses, if desired.
• Opportunity to participate in statewide domestic violence and sexual assault coalition collaborations, caucuses, and taskforces.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Associate degree