Part-time Shelter Advocate: A professional who provides advocacy, crisis intervention, information and referrals, and related services to victims of domestic violence.
Qualifications:
- At least 18 years of age
- Valid Virginia Driver’s License and good driving record
- Must pass criminal background check
- Local travel necessary, reliable transportation required.
- Must live in the Williamsburg/JCC, Toano, Charles City County/New Kent area.
Preferred: AA in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology or relevant work experience
Responsibilities:
· Screen all requests for shelter or assistance, conduct intake assessments and safety planning, assign residents to shelter, conduct crisis interviews with callers as needed, secure transportation and placement for callers who are in immediate danger and provide information and referrals as appropriate.
· Complete all necessary paperwork in response to calls, document interventions, complete appropriate referrals to community agencies, and complete statistical information.
· Conduct orientation for new shelter residents.
· Respond to crisis events as they arise at the shelter. Inform supervisory back-up staff of all emergency situations in shelter as soon as possible. Dial 911 as appropriate
· Be located on-site during the hours of shift.
· Follow policy and procedures for placement of families/individuals in immediate danger when shelter is full.
· Work directly with volunteers and student interns; assist with supervision, retention and appreciation efforts.
· Perform all procedures related to communication across shifts, documentation, record keeping, and reporting.
· Perform routine maintenance of the shelter when necessary.
· Enforce shelter rules/polices with shelter residents, including resident cleaning responsibilities.
· Adhere to the Victim Advocate Code of Ethics. Establish and maintain professional boundaries with shelter residents.
· Other duties as assigned
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of and adherence to agency mission, policies and procedures, and mandatory reporting requirements.
- Computer proficient with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook etc.
- Experience with high-paced multitasking and organizational skills
- Versed in the dynamics of domestic violence and current teachings on power and control as it relates to domestic violence
- Knowledgeable of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress as they relate to domestic abuse or sexual assault
- Versed in the principles of empowerment and able to demonstrate this in all interactions with clients, volunteers and staff
- Knowledgeable of the legal rights of victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault and how to assist clients in accessing the legal system
- Ability to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, bilingual is a plus
- Ability to work within a team model of service delivery
- Ability to use proper telephone and email etiquette
- Ability to conduct self in a professional manner with clients, staff, and community partners
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and make sound decisions.
- Maintain a reasonably clear driving record
Required Physical Skills:
- Incumbent should be able to work the required schedule with no physical limitations in normal ranges of sitting, standing, walking, talking, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle, a car, truck and/or van
These positions are grant funded part-time 20 hours/week, non-exempt from the provisions of the wage/hour laws and report to the Shelter Manager. Bridges of Change is an equal opportunity employer. All employment is at will and no employment contract shall be construed from any action, document or statement of the employment.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $19.00 per hour
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
