POSITION TITLE: Shelter Advocate – Full-Time (32 Hours/Week) | Tues–Fri, 3 PM–11 PM
ABOUT EPEC: Since 1977, the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (EPEC) has been serving victims and survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking, and dating violence in the Eastern Panhandle.
POSITION DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a compassionate, trauma-informed full-time Shelter Advocate to work Tuesday through Friday, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM (32 hours per week). This position works directly with shelter residents to provide support, advocacy, crisis intervention, and assistance in maintaining a safe and welcoming shelter environment. The ideal candidate will be dependable, self-motivated, flexible, and demonstrate strong communication skills and professional and ethical boundaries. A relevant degree and/or experience in social work, psychology, human services, victim services, or a related field is preferred.
SUPERVISED BY:
- Director of Shelter Services
- Executive Director
SALARY & BENEFITS:
- $20.00 per hour, with raises based on tenure, professional development, and performance
- Benefits available: health insurance, dental insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, parental leave
SCHEDULE & PAY PERKS:
Work a 4-day, 32-hour workweek while receiving full-time pay equivalent to a 40-hour schedule, with benefits available. Because our shelter operates 24/7, this position includes an on-call requirement. Employees must have some flexibility to work a variety of shifts when on call, including evening, overnight, and weekend coverage as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate’s degree preferred (experience may substitute for education)
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Ability to relate well with people and handle emergencies effectively
- Dependable, adaptable, and trauma-informed
- Experience working with children and families preferred
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The Shelter Advocate provides trauma-informed support, advocacy, crisis intervention, and supervision to shelter residents in accordance with the mission, policies, and procedures of EPEC.
DUTIES
Include, but are not limited to:
- Welcome and bring new clients into the shelter, complete intake interviews and required documentation, orient clients to the shelter, and assist with immediate needs
- Assess client needs and provide appropriate resources, referrals, advocacy, and support
- Provide ongoing trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, emotional support, and peer support
- Regularly engage with and check in with shelter residents to identify needs and offer assistance
- Conduct routine shelter walkthroughs and monitor the safety and well-being of residents
- Maintain accurate and timely client records, including case notes, services provided, client interactions, and data entry into the agency database
- Respond to helpline calls by providing crisis support, safety planning, information, resources, and referrals
- Complete all required helpline documentation accurately and in a timely manner
- Provide clients with exit surveys and assist with their transition from shelter, including safety planning, connecting them with outreach services, and providing appropriate resources and referrals
- Orient clients to shelter policies, procedures, expectations, and available services and provide reminders as needed
- Assist clients with clothing, personal supplies, and other identified needs as appropriate
- Transport clients to appointments and other approved locations as needed and in accordance with agency policies
- Provide conflict mediation and support respectful interactions within the shelter
- Assist with client programs, education, life skills, and other supportive services
- Complete all assigned shift responsibilities and required documentation in a timely and accurate manner
- Support residents with shared housekeeping responsibilities using a respectful, trauma-informed approach
- Assist with maintaining the overall cleanliness, safety, organization, and readiness of shelter spaces throughout the shift
- Assist with donation management, including receiving, documenting, sorting, organizing, and storing donated items
- Follow agency procedures for emergencies, safety concerns, mandated reporting, and critical incidents
- Communicate relevant client and shelter information with appropriate staff and supervisors to ensure continuity of services
- Support the training and orientation of new Shelter Advocates and volunteers
- Maintain client confidentiality and appropriate professional and ethical boundaries at all times
- Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and agency activities
- Participate in the agency’s on-call rotation and be available to respond to shelter needs and shift coverage
- Perform other duties as assigned based on client, shelter, and agency needs
Additional Responsibilities
- Maintain Certified Domestic Violence Advocate and Sexual Assault Advocate Ceritifcation, when applicable, status
- Attend at least two (2) WVCADV advocate certification trainings annually as required (travel may be required)
- Comply with all agency policies and procedures
- Perform any and all other duties as assigned by the Director of Shelter Services or Executive Director
Work Environment
This position operates in a residential shelter setting serving survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. The role requires a trauma-informed approach, professionalism, adaptability, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
Staff must be able to work in a fast-paced, emotionally sensitive environment while maintaining appropriate boundaries, supporting individuals in crisis, and responding effectively to the diverse and complex needs of clients.
JOB TYPE: Full-time (32 hours per week, plus on-call availability) PAY: $20.00 per hour WORK LOCATION: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
