Part Time First Shift Shelter Advocate-Weekend

YWCA Northeast Kansas•Topeka, KS

About The Position

YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We provide transformative services in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking, Community Violence Interruption, before- and after-school programming, and leadership and inclusion initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Shelter Manager, the Part-Time Shelter Advocate maintains a safe, confidential environment for clients of YWCA Center for Safety & Empowerment’s shelter. The Part-Time Shelter Advocate provides crisis intervention and advocacy to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking, within the shelter and crisis hotline setting.

Requirements

Basic understanding of dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.
Knowledge of local community resources and support services.
Sensitivity to the needs of others.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage individuals in crisis.
Ability to function well in a crisis setting where interruptions are frequent.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel within service areas.
Commitment to the YWCA mission and values, including a strong focus on racial equity and social justice.

Responsibilities

Offers information and/or crisis counseling to 800 number callers, make referrals to other community agencies and resources (crime victims compensation fund, mental health services, etc.).
Meets victims at the hospital for domestic violence or sexual assault support.
Conducts initial shelter screen and intake for victims of domestic and/or sexual violence.
Orients new shelter residents and completes necessary paper work.
Monitors residents in community living, addressing any concerns that arise per Shelter policy manual.
Assures resident and staff safety by taking necessary emergency measures.
Assists in maintaining shelter cleanliness and orderliness. Examples: shelter laundry, donation management, stock kitchen, clean/set up bedrooms for the next shelter resident.
Documents relevant shift information in log and provide verbal “briefing” to oncoming staff and staff back-up as needed.
Documents all calls and completing weekly, bi-weekly, and/or monthly paperwork for supervisor.
Attends monthly Shelter Staff Meetings.
Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position.
Advocates, promotes, and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in day-to-day interactions.
Performs other duties assigned by the supervisor or CEO. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position.