Shelter Advocate

HEALING ABUSE WORKING FOR CHANGE

Shelter Advocate

Job Description

March 1, 2024

Healing Abuse Working for Change, Inc., creates social change by taking action against personal and societal patterns of violence and oppression. Since 1978, HAWC has provided free services and support to survivors of domestic abuse on Massachusetts’ North Shore to help them make informed, independent decisions about their futures. More information is available at www.hawcdv.org.

General Description:

HAWC is seeking to hire a Shelter Advocate to work Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm. This full-time position provides services to survivors of domestic violence on site in our Emergency Family Shelter Program, providing advocacy with outside agencies and within the program, facilitating groups for families and individuals in the shelter, assessing and referring to appropriate services and accompanying families and individuals to provide advocacy and support in appointments when needed. This position is benefitted and non-exempt with compensation in the range of $23.00 to $25.00/hour based on experience and skill, including language skills. Bilingual language skills (Spanish or Portuguese) are not required for this position but are strongly preferred. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week with the occasional opportunity for additional hours if desired.

Summary of Benefits:

• 3 weeks of vacation per year during first year; increases at year 5, carryover of 2 weeks
• 13 Holidays off per year
• 13 Sick days per year
• 5 Personal days per year
• 70% Health Insurance paid by HAWC
• 70% Dental Insurance paid by HAWC
• 70% Paid Family & Medical Leave paid by HAWC
• 100% Short & Long Term Disability paid by HAWC
• 100% Employee Assistance Plan paid by HAWC
• 100% paid Life Insurance (1x annual salary up to $50,000)
• Health Reimbursement Account (HAWC pays first 50% of deductible)
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401K plan

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Direct service advocacy and/or case management experience
• Experience in designing and/or facilitating educational support groups
• Experience navigating service systems, including housing, mental health, medical, legal and/or school systems
• Sensitivity to the unique concerns of survivors of domestic violence; commitment to survivors to promote healing from experiences of domestic violence
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication
• Ability and willingness to work effectively with participants of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Strong crisis intervention and active listening skills; commitment to learning and utilizing trauma-informed practices of client engagement and advocacy
• Commitment to working collaboratively with shelter team members and agency leadership
• Flexibility to meet individual needs of clients and collective needs of shelter teammates
• Proficient in basic computer, internet and data-entry skills
• Bilingual language skills not required but Spanish or Portuguese language skills are strongly preferred

Position Responsibilities:

• Screen prospective clients to ensure the shelter program is an appropriate fit for their needs; complete intake in trauma-informed manner
• Maintain a caseload of individual/family participants of the shelter program, typically meeting with clients at least once per week and providing advocacy support between formal meetings
• Provide support, crisis intervention, advocacy and information to the participants at the shelter
• Empower clients to make safe, supportive choices for themselves and their families
• Make appropriate assessments and referrals to agencies and services, both within HAWC and with other community providers
• Communicate in a thoughtful and professional manner with collaborating agencies, such as DTA, DCF and other community providers
• Ensure safety and consistency of shelter operations including oversight of client program requirements and safety protocols
• Support clients with children to ensure they have the parenting support they need, including connecting children with services that promote healing and resilience
• Maintain logs, files and other paper documentation
• Ensure accurate and thoughtful entry of data into Empower electronic database system
• Participate in development of and facilitation of support/education groups within the shelter program
• Prepare, clean and inspect rooms for incoming and exiting participants
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of staff office/bathroom/fridge and shared common areas
• Attend regular supervision, shelter team meetings, monthly all-staff meetings, and other meetings as required
• Make site visits to other agency locations and any additional trainings required
• Accompany clients to appointments when necessary
• Participate in coverage of HAWC’s 24/7 emergency hotline
• Complete 30-hour HAWC pre-service training
• Ensure completion of other responsibilities as required by the Shelter Manager

HAWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, LGBTQ people, bicultural and bilingual people, people with disabilities, and survivors of partner abuse are encouraged to apply. HAWC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran history/military status, genetic information or membership in any group protected by federal and state law.

Please email cover letter and resume to Jillian Nebesar at Jilliann@hawcdv.org with “Shelter Advocate” in the subject line, or mail to:
HAWC, Attn: Jillian Nebesar, 27 Congress St. Ste. 204, Salem, MA 01970