POSITION PURPOSE
The Weekend Advocate, Crisis, Shelter and Outreach Services implements the delivery of client services and shelter operations for all crisis, shelter, outreach, advocacy, and support services in alignment with Harbor House’s Crisis and Shelter Program. The role of the advocate is to empower individuals affected by violence through the use of trauma-informed, evidence-based best practices, including active listening, empathetic validation, and connection to community resources that support independent and safe living. Advocates work closely with other program staff and sister programs/agencies within the community to provide a safety plan and resources needed on an individual basis. This position is also responsible for supporting and directly contributing to a culture of collaborative leadership.
Position Summary: The Weekend Advocate is responsible for providing trauma-informed, evidence based best practice services to victims of domestic and sexual violence by: responding to callers who access the Harbor House 24-hour crisis line; screening potential emergency shelter residents; providing initial intakes for new residents; providing short-term individual advocacy, counseling, safety planning, and crisis intervention to all residents; and supporting a safe and secure shelter space.
Position Information
‒ Flexibility: Ability to work part-time hours
- Minimum is 32 hours per month
- Maximum is 30 hours per week
‒ Shift work focused on late evenings and overnights, as well as weekend day shifts (some weeknights available)
‒ Hourly pay range: $18-$22 per hour based on experience and qualifications
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Program Advocacy and Support Services: Provides short-term individual advocacy, counseling, safety planning, and crisis intervention to all residents, including children
- Provides emotional support, crisis intervention, and de-escalation to residents as needed or requested
- Supports residents in developing short-term goals plans to address immediate concerns
- Provides information and education about domestic abuse, trauma response, and coping skills
- Provides safety planning by supporting residents in assessing danger/risks, identifying culturally appropriate resources and referrals, and supports residents in implementing their safety plan
- Communicates with Primary Advocates to ensure quality services to residents
- Network and develop effective relationships with other community service providers on behalf of survivors and their children.
- Shelter Management:
- Oversee the operational services necessary for the crisis and shelter program
- Assess and conduct initial intake of new residents and walk-ins
- Orient new residents to the shelter building and program
- Provides emotional support, deescalation, and crisis intervention during the intake process
- Support a safe and respectful community living environment, including:
- Conducts regular safety checks and safety searches as needed
- Supports participation in the shelter program and community living by providing and explaining information about the shelter program and clarifying expectations of residents
- Supports residents in meeting needs by supplying personal items, shelter supplies and food o Crisis Management: Responds to callers who access the 24 hours crisis line, including
- Provides emotional support, crisis intervention, and de-escalation
- Provides information and education on domestic abuse, trauma response, and coping skills
- Supports callers in assessing immediate needs, identifying culturally appropriate resources and referrals, and supports callers in developing a plan of action
- Provides safety planning by supporting callers in assessing danger/risks, identifying culturally appropriate resources and referrals, and supports callers in implementing their safety plan
- Screens callers for shelter
- Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Maintains accurate and timely record keeping
- Responsible for appropriate charting and all necessary documentation
- Compile agency records/statistics pertinent to service provision.
- Ensures adherence and demonstrates compliance to organization policies and procedures.
- Assist with shelter maintenance and upkeep.
- Maintains safety of shelter and its residents.
- Other duties as assigned to support the growth and functioning of the organization.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to successfully pass a background investigation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR related work experience
CRITICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- Strong background working in domestic abuse issues and good understanding of the impact of abuse and trauma on victims and their children.
- Demonstrated ability to initiate, cultivate and inspire meaningful relationships with internal program staff and clients, including youth and adults impacted by violence.
- Proven interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to relate to individuals and groups diplomatically and tactfully.
- Ability to de-escalate crisis and emergency situations, including leveraging appropriate Harbor House and community resources
- Dedication to implementing and maintaining policies, procedures and standards associated with client confidentiality, client/staff boundaries, client/staff safety and other associated standards.
- Analytical and process integration skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to think quick on feet and make decisions in the moment.
- Ability to be nimble and willingness to work in shelter to maintain operations including cleaning, sorting, etc.
- Ability to lift 30 lbs.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel within the community with automobile insurance in the amount required by the state of Wisconsin.
Benefits:
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Employee assistance program
Work Location: In person
