OUR MISSION
The Family Place empowers survivors of family violence by providing safe housing, counseling, and skills that create independence while building community engagement and advocating for social change to stop family violence.
Position Summary:
Are you passionate about making a difference? When you take on this role, you will play a vital part in creating a safe and supportive environment for survivors of family violence as they begin rebuilding their lives. By ensuring the shelter remains secure, welcoming, and well-maintained, you help restore a sense of stability and dignity for each resident. Through compassionate support, active listening, and collaboration with the program team, you will not only ensure client safety but also empower individuals to move forward with confidence and hope. Your presence helps transform the shelter from a temporary refuge into a place of healing, growth, and new beginnings.
As a Resident Advocate, you're often the first face our clients see when they walk through the door, and sometimes, it's the first time in a long time they feel safe. You play a vital role in creating a supportive, stable environment where survivors of domestic violence can begin to heal. Whether it’s offering comfort during a crisis, ensuring the shelter is safe and clean, or simply being a consistent, caring presence, the work you do helps individuals and families feel seen, respected, and empowered. Your compassion, attention, and advocacy directly impact their ability to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provides emotional support to residential clients by demonstrating sensitivity and support to those in crisis through active listening and comforting words in a non-judgmental manner.
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Collaborate with Case Managers, supervisor, and designated staff on service updates or needs for clients through documentation, email, and/or verbal communication.
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Intervenes in crisis situations, is intentional in words and action, by using approved de-escalation and crisis intervention methods that promote the safety of all residents.
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Provides timely communication to supervisor and designated staff regarding pertinent client situations and issues.
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Assure that all intakes with new clients include reviewing shelter policies, tours of the facility, completing intake paperwork, access for immediate needs, and providing personal supplies within 24 hours.
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Assists client with basic life skills activities, including healthy habits, clean living skills, organization, daily planning, time management, etc.
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Conducts client exit interviews, safety planning when needed (for unplanned exits), exit surveys, and schedules transportation services.
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Monitor inventory, document items taken from the adult/children closet, including inventory in overflow storage location, and report to operations and direct supervisor when inventory items need replenishing.
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Monitor the resident advocate desk and assist clients with basic needs, such as distributing medication, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc., and document appropriately in Clients First.
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Monitors the facility for safety and cleanliness. Take appropriate action to maintain the cleanliness of the shelter, as needed. Provides light household tasks (i.e., spot cleaning rooms for in/out clients) and sanitizing common areas of the shelter.
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Transport clients in the company vehicle to and from appointments and meetings, or hospital when necessary.
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Interact with interns and volunteers and support and guide them when necessary.
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Co-facilitate Resident meetings, assist with volunteer groups, and children’s activities during adult groups.
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Assist with special events and other program activities scheduled during the shift.
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Provides backup coverage for hotline phone calls, assesses the level of client risk, and, through active listening, comforting words, and positive problem-solving, provides mental and emotional support.
Other Duties: Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
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Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, sociology, or similar with 6 months of experience working in a residential facility, shelter, or similar environment OR an associate degree and any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
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Bilingual, English/ Spanish, may be required for some roles.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Texas Driver’s License and a clear driving record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Knowledge of domestic violence and client trauma.
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Skilled in Microsoft Office applications.
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Skilled in verbal de-escalation and crisis management.
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Ability to maintain a clear and valid Texas driver's license.
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Ability to communicate in both written and verbal formats to meet position responsibilities.
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Ability to be sensitive to the language, economic, and cultural needs of clients.
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Ability to safely drive a company vehicle to offsite locations and attend off-site meetings and events.
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Maintains professional boundaries with clients at all times.
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Protects client confidentiality.
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Ability to work overtime when necessary to cover shifts.
Mental and Physical Duties:
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Duties are usually performed seated with occasional periods of standing or walking.
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Ability to perform physical tasks such as stooping, bending, reaching, and climbing to interact with children and clients.
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A limited amount of physical effort is required, associated with walking, standing, lifting, and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) frequently.
Working Conditions:
Work may be performed, but is not limited to an office environment. Ability to work some weekends, evenings, and overnight hours.
Essential Personnel Designation: Essential
Essential employees are required to report for all scheduled hours regardless of inclement weather, holidays, or facility closures unless explicitly notified otherwise by leadership. This includes all employees assigned to shelter locations or designated as residential staff. Essential employees who work when other operations are closed due to inclement weather will receive time-and-a-half pay. Refer to The Family Place Inclement Weather Policy for complete details.
More About US:
At The Family Place, we embrace and live our values: TEAM
Together: We believe that collaboration is key to our success. Foster a supportive environment, build trust, act with integrity, and expect transparent communication.-
Excellence: We are known for our compassion and commitment to excellence, acting with urgency, and advocating for our clients and community.
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Accountable: Responsible for our actions and decisions. We accept responsibility rather than blame others. Builds relationships to drive results.
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Mission-Focused: Clients come first. Service is our passion, experienced with empathy and compassion.
What We Offer:
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Competitive salary
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
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Multiple Life, AD&D, and Hospitalization in life insurance options
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Retirement options through: 403b, agency matching, and HSA accounts
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Generous paid time off and holidays
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Professional development opportunities
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Benefits referenced above for Full-Time employees
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The Family Place reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Employment at will.
