Shelter Advocate (PT)

WOMENS CENTER OF EAST TEXAS INC•Longview, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction and scope of WCET and its funders, provide holistic client-centered and trauma informed care for survivors of sexual assault, including advocating and promoting public awareness. This role involves assisting clients with daily needs, conducting screenings and assessments, developing individualized goal plans, referring clients to community resources, providing housing and residential support, arranging transportation, and coordinating services with other agency staff. The advocate will also work supportively with children in the shelter, attend staff meetings, follow program processes for self-sufficiency planning, complete required paperwork and data entries, and comply with WCET standards. Continuous skill improvement through workshops and timely email responses are expected. Additionally, the role includes answering and responding to a 24-hour hotline, offering safety planning, problem-solving, resources, and assistance with immediate needs, utilizing active listening and crisis intervention skills, determining shelter eligibility, scheduling outreach appointments, and arranging emergency transportation for eligible callers.

Requirements

High School Diploma required.
Basic knowledge of Family Violence preferred
Ability to work various shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Active Listening
Empathy and Compassion
Knowledge of basic computer skills
Self-motivated, self-confident, and compassionate
High moral and ethical standards.
Ability to complete required training assignments and understand the dynamics of Family Violence and other related issues

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in related field or combination of social services experience and education.
Knowledge and experience of working in residential/shelter environment preferred

Responsibilities

Provide clients with quality client-centered, trauma informed care.
Conduct screenings and assessments for shelter clients.
Develop individualized goal plans with participants which identify and address safety concerns, risk factors, and holistic goals.
Assist and support program participants by referring them to appropriate community resources.
Provide individualized referrals and assistance to clients to help clients work toward their goals.
Provide housing and residential support to all clients including assistance with rent, utilities, legal support, and other residential needs.
Arrange and/or provide transportation of residents as needed.
Work with other agency staff to coordinate services and assist clients in meeting personal goals.
Model healthy and positive relationships within the agency and other community partners to ensure optimal utilization of resources and efficient management of the program.
Provide effective communication between all clients and agency members.
Willingness to work supportively with children who reside in shelter.
Attend and participate in agency staff meetings and other functions as directed by Director of Residential Services.
Follow WCET programs and processes to support survivors in developing a plan for self-sufficiency.
Complete required paperwork and data entries within 24 hours to document services provided.
Comply with standards issued by WCET and its funders.
Continually improve skills/knowledge related to job duties by attending appropriate workshops, seminars, trainings, and conferences as directed by Director of Residential Services.
Check work email every workday and provide timely responses.
Answer and respond to 24-hour hotline offering safety planning, problem solving, resources, and assistance with client’s immediate needs.
Utilize active listening skills and quality telephone crisis intervention and complete the necessary documentation.
Determine shelter eligibility and/or the immediate needs of caller including, but not limited to law enforcement, MHMR, CPS, APS, etc. or other appropriate referral.
Schedule outreach appointments for the soonest available time.
Ensure appointment is scheduled with the appropriate outreach office and advocate, and that the advocate has been notified.
Arrange and/or provide emergency transportation for eligible callers to access shelter services.