Working at The Center for Empowerment and Education
The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) formerly the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, is a growing nonprofit organization with a vision to end the violence against individuals and families to foster equality and empowerment for all. As a part of the CEE team, you will help empower individuals to find their voice and choose their path towards healing as they rebuild their lives from interpersonal violence while creating safer communities. Since our founding in 1975, CEE has been a safe haven as the sole provider of services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in the Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield County areas. Our mission is to serve the needs of individuals, families and the community with prevention, crisis intervention and support services with regard to domestic violence, sexual assault and other major life crises. Our vision is to end the violence against individuals and families and to foster equality and empowerment for all. Each year, CEE serves over 30,000 individuals from our area communities. Our no cost and confidential services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. CEE’s key focus areas include emergency shelter and support services, counseling and advocacy, crisis intervention, community education, primary prevention, and training.
Position Summary
The primary role of the Support Advocate is to provide support, advocacy, safety planning, counseling, and educational services to children and adults who come to The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) for non-shelter and/or shelter services through domestic violence, sexual assault and resource programs. This position is to be carried out while empowering victims with respect to their safety and their right to self-determination.
Reports to: Manager of Residential Services
Location: Shelter (In-Person)
Status: Per Diem, Non-Exempt
Hours of work: As needed; hours vary based on coverage requirements. Shifts may occur on any day of the week, including evenings and weekends. No set or guaranteed hours.
Essential Responsibilities
Direct Client Services & Advocacy
· Provide client intake and advocacy
· Provide culturally informed, trauma-responsive crisis intervention and supportive hotline counseling
· Offer individual and group supportive counseling for adult and child victims
· Provide advocacy and accompaniment, including assistance with court documents and support service navigation
· Assist clients with safety planning and risk assessments, including for children
· Provide individual domestic and sexual violence counseling and advocacy
· Provide emergency shelter and hotline coverage
· Conduct needs and risk assessments
· Offer referrals and information related to legal, housing, transportation, and economic options
· Advocate with outside systems and accompany clients to appointments or court as needed
· Assist with victim compensation and confidentiality programs (OVS, SAVIN, Safe at Home, Witness Protection)
· Provide transportation to support emergency and case management goals
· Assist clients in exploring legal and financial options
· Conduct follow-up and outreach when safe and appropriate
Residential Facility Operations & Safety
· Maintain a safe, clean, and cohesive residential environment
· Complete shelter safety checks and maintain security (e.g., perimeter checks, locked doors)
· Support housekeeping tasks including preparing bedrooms, managing donations, distributing supplies
· Monitor and document residents’ compliance with program rules (e.g., sign-in, cleanliness)
· Ensure facility compliance with state regulations and program policies
· Coordinate and support resident activities, both onsite and in the community
· Ensure the safety and security of residents in the Safe House
Administrative Responsibilities & Compliance
· Maintain complete and accurate client files and documentation
· Submit statistical, monthly, and quarterly reports per CCADV and Alliance requirements
· Participate in weekly case conferences, staff meetings, and safe house coordination
· Ensure compliance with confidentiality and privilege laws (C.G.S. 52-146 series)
· Attend required meetings, trainings, and fulfill responsibilities outlined in CCADV/Alliance sub-contracts
· Maintain documentation according to federal and state guidelines
Organizational Participation & Collaboration
· Work collaboratively with member programs and co-workers
· Build and maintain strong, cooperative internal and external relationships
· Take initiative and independent action to complete work responsibilities
· Participate in Center staff meetings, trainings, events, and organizational programs
· Adhere to Center and CCADV/Alliance standards and policies
· Travel as required
· Perform other duties as assigned
Key Competencies
· Comprehensive working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault
· Understanding of Safety Planning and Client-Defined Advocacy approaches
· Knowledge of community resources
· Effective oral and written communication skills
· Basic computer proficiency
· Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
· Ability to maintain service records and submit timely, accurate statistical and narrative reports in compliance with CCADV and The Alliance standards
· Ability to develop, train, and work with volunteers and interns
· Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team
· Flexibility and ability to manage multiple demands
Qualifications
· Minimum Associate’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Mental Health, Human Services, or a related field, and/or minimum two years of applicable experience
· Certification as a sexual assault and domestic violence crisis counselor per CGS 52-146k (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
· Must be able to lift 25 lbs
· Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and working cell phone
Working Conditions:
This position requires frequent travel between main and satellite offices and occasional work at community partner sites (e.g., hospitals, police departments, court settings). The role may involve occasional evening or weekend hours to meet client or agency needs.
Physical Demands
· Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (e.g., sitting or standing).
· Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers and phones.
· Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., outreach materials, program supplies).
· Occasional driving, walking, or standing at outreach or court sites.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions to the extent The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) may do so without undue hardship. The term “Qualified individual with a disability” means an individual who with or without reasonable accommodation can perform the essential functions of the position.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Education:
Experience:
- Caregiving: 2 years (Required)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
