Shelter Advocate

Domestic Violence Services, Inc.

Job Description

Position: ShelterAdvocate

Compensation and Scheduling

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time off

Schedule:

• Full Time (8 Hours/day; 40 hours/week)
• On Call duties (as assigned)

Job Description and Responsibilities

Advocate Responsibilities:

• Provide direct service (in person, by phone) to both crisis and non-crisis clients – at DVS locations or other, safe community locations
• Maintain positive interactions with survivors/clients: Refer to the DVS Staff Handbook section on Ethics
• Maintain vigilance regarding client health and safety issues
• Alert supervision of concerns and make a record of concerns
• Maintain positive relationships with community partners and other DVS staff
• Perform shelter screening and intake procedures
• Perform assigned on-call duties: Based on a rotation of current DVS advocates
• Attend staff meetings and briefings as assigned
• Participate in training as assigned by supervision
• Perform other duties and tasks, as assigned by management, that pertain to the needs of the agency and those who are served
• Accurately maintain all DVS forms and statistics recording: Includes monthly statistical reports, leave requests, expense requests, time sheets, and other DVS forms
• Follow all assigned office and administrative duties
• Report any need for maintenance or repair to DVS facilities, properties, or equipment
• Provide transportation when approved and assigned by supervision

Shelter Responsibilities:

• Respond to assigned work locations: All DVS advocates may be assigned to various work areas to provide quality services
• When in an Advocacy Center: answer phones, provide services to walk-in clients, maintain a clean and litter-free space
• When in a shelter: monitor shelter supplies and submit expense requests, provide services to shelter clients
• Provide Life Skills, Survivor Support Groups, or other assigned educational programs
• Maintain accurate case management records: Includes information about income plan, plan for housing, participation in classes and groups
• Appropriately store and log donations and supplies, keeping storage areas organized and hazard-free
• Conduct exit evaluations and encourage the completion of Common Outcome Measures surveys
• Communicate the needs of shelter clients and ascertain appropriate and needed resources
• Conduct house meetings, explain shelter guidelines and safety procedures to shelter clients
• Maintain the cleanliness and safety of the shelter grounds and building
• Work alongside clients to assist them in modeling safe and clean house practices
• Perform daily bedroom and shelter safety checks
• Locking windows and doors, keeping floors clear and hazard-free

Community and Events:

• Participate in community groups or programs, as assigned, that pertain to the needs of the agency and those who are served
• Perform public speaking events, as assigned, on behalf of DVS
• Assist with event planning and implementation, as assigned

Required Skills, Certifications, Licenses, and Training

Skills of the Job:

• Spanish language proficiency preferred (not required)
• Ability to communicate professionally, verbally, and in writing
• Ability to problem solve various scenarios and find solutions
• Knowledge or ability to learn about community resources
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds
• Ability to perform physical tasks to accomplish the responsibilities listed above (reasonable accommodations can be made)
• Understand boundaries, culturally competent, and sensitive to issues related to the work

Certifications and Licenses:

• Consent to a criminal background, driving records inquiry, and drug screening with satisfactory results
• Current Oregon driver's license and proof of current auto insurance

Training

• Complete and pass basic Domestic Violence Services, Inc. training
• Complete and pass Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence advocate training
• Other activities as assigned by the supervision

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hermiston, OR: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person