Domestic Violence Overnight-Weekend Shelter Advocate

JOB SUMMARY

The Overnight Weekend Shelter Advocate will provide services under the supervision and direction of the Director of Residential & Shelter Coordinator.

The Overnight Weekend Shelter Advocate will incorporate Housing First Models as the primary modality in the home, to assess and match the client's needs. The Client Advocate is expected to participate and coordinate within a team setting including but not limited to the Shelter Coordinator, the Child Advocate, and Residential Counselor.

The Overnight Weekend Shelter Advocate also works hand in hand with Housing Advocate to ensure the successful identification and retention of permanent housing, consisting of advocacy for Domestic Violence/sexual assault survivors with landlords. Knowledge of survivor rights would be an optimal skill in this role. Knowledge of subsidy programs is preferred.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS & ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BSW or commensurate experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish-English) required.
• Must demonstrate cultural competency through either experience or education.
• Must have some knowledge and understanding of Domestic Violence and trauma.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work with diverse communities.
• A highly motivated self-starter

• Knowledge of computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).

• Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation.
• An Overnight Weekend Shelter Advocate must maintain a reasonable presence and be available for emergency situations.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Answer and help the 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline.

• Provides the following direct services to clients exiting shelter: case management, supportive counseling, crisis intervention as needed, advocacy and accompaniment.
• Outreach Case Manager serves as a broker to link clients with supportive services and community services.
• Outreach Case Manager provides empowering support to client working towards indecency after exiting shelter.
• Contact clients at least once a week by phone or telehealth (see YWCA Covid-19 guidelines)
• Follow up with clients post-shelter. Provide support to post-shelter clients for a 3-month period to assist them as needed, but not limited to continuing services based on clients need for assistance.

• Complete foundations and corporate grants and reports.
• Refers clients to YWCA internal programs providing counseling, workforce development, children's services, legal services, and other needed services, as well as appropriate community resources for services not covered by YWCA Union County.
• Refer and link clients to appropriate services in the community that promote greater self-sufficiency. Monitor the client's follow-through with these services.
• Maintain a caseload of clients and client files.
• Perform client intake and needs assessment including completion of all required paperwork for residents.
• Conduct initial pre-screen of clients to determine the need for support in all domains of client's life to deliver affirming, inclusive, and survivor-centered case management services as well as an in-stabilization housing plan.
• Develop a comprehensive care plan jointly with the resident that includes short- and long- term goals focused on attaining, maintaining, and achieving positive psychosocial outcomes.
• Evaluate effectiveness of services based upon client outcomes in the scope of work.
• Coordinate clients' participation in community events as needed.
• Attending staff meetings, conferences and training as directed.
• Represent agency as required at community events, health fairs, etc.
• Conduct outside presentations as required.
• Responsible for modeling healthy boundaries, respectful behavior, and open communication
• Provide Director of Residential Services and Shelter Coordinator with information on potential problems and assist in the development of solutions and/or innovative approaches to problems.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Residential and Shelter Coordinator.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to always project a professional demeanor.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Exercises mature judgment
• Proficient knowledge in processing confidential information
• Ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects/tasks.
• Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

While performing the job, this position typically involves sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking, carrying (25lbs), lifting (25lbs), bending, stooping, and reaching. This position also requires operating a computer keyboard, firm/strong grasping, and repetitive hand control. The position also requires the ability to complete forms in personal writing, make and receive telephone calls, and operate office machines (copier, fax, and printer). This position is also subjected to outside environmental conditions.

Personal Traits:

• A person of unquestioned honesty and integrity; values transparency.
• A person who values substance in their work.
• Self-assured, yet self-effacing in support of an effective team.
• Willing to provide extra effort whenever necessary to accomplish goals.
• Well-developed political skills and personal diplomacy.
• Self-directed and goal-oriented, while remaining flexible as needed.
• An individual with a passion for serving the public good.
• Spark, imagination, and creativity.

NOTE: This job description is a broad outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Overnight Weekend Shelter Advocate and will be amended as needed to meet the program priorities of the YWCA Union County and their ensuring work requirements. This job description should not be construed as a contract.