Domestic Violence Overnight Shelter Advocate

INDEPENDENCE HOUSE, INC.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Independence House encourages applicants of diverse races, all abilities, identity, sexual orientation, and genders to submit application.

Hours : Part-time, Overnight Shifts

Hourly Non-exempt position

Schedule : The following shifts are available Friday-Sunday: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM

Independence House, Inc. (IH) is a comprehensive domestic & sexual violence community-based agency and shelter program in Barnstable County that focuses on meeting unique and cultural needs of survivors and their children. The IH Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter is a fully inclusive pet and therapeutic animal friendly environment. We provide safety, food, shelter, advocacy, counseling and other resources to assist survivors in rebuilding violence-free lives for themselves and their children. IH is committed to the values of inclusivity, equality, anti-oppression, non-hierarchical structure, and a non-judgmental and empowerment framework. IH works closely with other agencies in the community, to provide a comprehensive network of resources for survivors of violence and their children. IH works with these agencies and other community groups to provide education, prevention and training about domestic & sexual violence toward community transformation and change. Please see our website at for more information.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Overnight Shelter Advocate is responsible for providing support and advocacy to victims of domestic and sexual violence and their children in the emergency shelter. The Shelter Advocate works closely with shelter children advocates to offer and provide services for parents and children at the shelter, including intakes, assessments, advocacy, case management, safety planning, educational and recreational activities, crisis counseling, and ongoing emotional support. The Advocate also collaborates with the Children Exposed to Domestic Violence staff, the IH Clinical Director & Shelter Director to provide comprehensive services to families at the shelter. The Advocate represents IH through participation in community and statewide meetings, collaborations, and coalitions; documents as appropriate, prepares rooms/units for new residents, assures safety and attend supervision and team meetings. The Shelter Advocate is an awake position. Work shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays to ensure adequate coverage of the shelter program. Full-time Shelter advocates are scheduled to work designated shifts Monday through Friday. Regular Part-time, Variable part-time/Relief Shelter Advocates provide weekend and overnight coverage in addition to weekday and holiday coverage as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES / SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES

Provide Comprehensive Advocacy, Case Management and Support Services to Adults Who Have Been Impacted By Domestic & Sexual Violence, Including:

• Trauma informed crisis intervention, intakes, advocacy and safety planning, emotional support, to adults/youth in the shelter, including assessment and development of safety plans, parenting support, information, education & referral and individual action plans
• Monitor and maintain the safety of domestic violence survivors in the shelter
• Ensure the shelter is a welcoming environment, which includes maintaining a space in which harassment and discriminatory actions or remarks are not tolerated
• Engage with survivors to check in on their well-being
• Assist survivors in navigation of shelter program and guidelines
• Thoroughly and accurately document all pertinent incidents that take place throughout shift, as well as any referrals or support services provided
• Assist in maintenance of the shelter space
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all clients’ information, with the exception of instances mandated by law. In such cases, follow agency protocol for reporting and response
• Maintain up-to-date information on survivors, intakes, and exits
• Address issues of child abuse and neglect in accordance with MA law, follow and work alongside appropriate agencies
• In partnership with survivors, develop and facilitate group activities
• Provide and coordinate language and cultural support as needed

Additional Responsibilities on Overnight Shift 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM:

• Stay awake throughout entire shift to ensure safety and security of Emergency Shelter Program
• Assist with maintenance of shelter space, completing logs, and other projects as needed
• Maintain client resource files
• Facilitate mornings’ activities, supporting survivors’ daily schedule
• Document the number of survivors entering into the program and complete exit assessments with any survivors leaving the shelter
• Complete full “overnight checklist” on each shift

Provide Support to Adult & Parent Residents:

• Offer weekly case management meetings with shelter survivors to focus on individual needs and link families to appropriate resources
• Promote parent-child relationship building, and offer parenting education and emotional support to parents including creative, non-violent approaches to discipline, child development, children’s behavioral and mental health, transitions into and out of shelter, impact of violence on children, etc.
• Work closely with Child Advocate to provide coordinated family case management services
• Provide support to single adult residents as needed
• Assists with the daily living needs of shelter residents
• Completes intakes (both direct service and paperwork) within 7 hours of survivor entering shelter
• Provides shelter orientations to survivors within 24 hours of survivor’s entry into shelter
• Completes an exit survey with survivors leaving shelter as well as required exit paperwork
• Facilitates cooperative living, peer support, and survivor participation in shelter programming
• Model and actively promote positive, nurturing interactions between adults and children in shelter
• Communicate shelter agreements and community living guidelines to survivors as outlined in the shelter intake. Promptly address difficulties or problems that arise per agency protocol, address any living concerns with residents and maintain documentation of the discussions
• Model non-violent conflict resolution and use non-violent forms of guidance
• In conjunction with the shelter director and the shelter team, the shelter advocate takes appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining the safety of all survivors
• Interacts sensitively with traumatized populations and handle crises appropriately
• Understands and utilize principles of trauma informed care and the empowerment philosophy of advocacy
• Provides direct service to survivors on the hotline. Hours may vary

Other Responsibilities:

• Create and contribute to daily log entries to facilitate communication with co-workers regarding survivors or program updates
• Review daily log entries, emails, and memo log at the start of shift
• Consults regularly with team of advocates, shelter director and clinical director
• Maintains client files, agency files, statistics, forms, and other record keeping as required
• Completes facilities check for safety to ensure the safety and security of the survivors
• Packs client belongings as needed; cleans/sanitizes rooms after clients exit; prepares room for the next survivor
• Be responsible for 24-hour sexual assault and domestic violence crisis line shift(s) and share emergency cell phone coverage with all IH staff

General Shelter Support & Program Development (all staff):

• Performs routine chores and cleaning tasks assigned to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the shelter facility. Address emergency facilities issues as they arise
• Assists with stocking, food and other supplies meant for survivor use
• Maintain shelter office space in accordance with shelter program procedures
• Completes and file appropriate request forms to address maintenance and security issues as they arise
• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality
• Effectively manages priorities and tasks to meet deadlines
• Utilize critical thinking skills, exercise appropriate personal responsibility, and retain a positive outlook amidst challenging circumstances
• Provide a welcoming and supportive environment for survivors
• Help with answering phones and shelter door
• Do general upkeep of office and shelter space
• Respond to emergencies and conflict resolution meetings as needed
• Adhere to agency policies and work rules, including strict adherence to IH confidentiality policies and code of ethics
• Maintains agency forms as required
• Attends agency meetings as required, including monthly mandatory shelter team meeting and weekly supervision meetings
• Attend trainings and continuing education activities as appropriate
• Participate in team meetings
• Participate in shelter staff retreats and other all-staff retreats and trainings
• Facilitate or participate in community education presentations as appropriate
• Help take care of minor repairs
• Performs other duties as assigned

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Work is primarily performed in a secured residential facility setting with communal areas, as well as in an office setting
• Work requires the ability to ascend or descend stairs, as well as the agility to move about and position self efficiently to perform physical tasks and address emergency situations
• Position requires the ability to monitor and observe the activities of clients, and children of clients, within the facility
• Regularly exposed to cleaning products, chemicals and solvent. Occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions
• Routinely requires the ability to move or transport supplies or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds unassisted, while ascending or descending stairs
• Some exposure to pets/therapy animals (small dogs, cats, fish, hamsters)

QUALIFICATIONS

• A.S., High School Diploma and/or GED with related experience
• Experience and ability to work with individuals of all ages, races, culture, gender, sexual orientation and abilities and their parents
• 3+ years of experience with case management and/or working with survivors of violence of diverse communities (i.e. based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender identity, class, education, immigration status, etc.) highly desired
• Knowledge of trauma & manifestations
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to issues of domestic violence; commitment to social justice
• Commitment to and practice of non-violence, including non-corporal discipline of children
• Ability to deal with crisis situations effectively and calmly
• Ability to be flexible to accommodate immediate survivor and agency needs
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Familiarity with community and social service agencies/resources locally and statewide
• Experience in creatively advocating and providing support to families
• Ability to offer emotional support / excellent listening skills
• Ability to address conflict and contribute alternative solutions in a direct, constructive and positive manner
• Ability to participate in collective, non-hierarchical decision making within the small team and all staff environments
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member
• Ability to work well with a variety of people — including staff, interns, language advocates and volunteers, both at IH and in other organizations (social service, government, legal, etc.)
• Computer proficiency

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience working with survivors in a supportive capacity
• Experience working in a domestic violence shelter or with diverse individuals
• Completion of the IH Domestic & Sexual Violence training in addition to shelter training
• Satisfactory Criminal Background Check
• Must possess a valid MA driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance, and have access to a vehicle during work hours
• Bilingual/bicultural LGBTQ and/or persons of color encouraged to apply
• Must obtain or maintain account with a financial institution for direct deposit of paychecks

To Be Considered: Please send a resume and a cover letter to: [email protected]

Please write “IH Application- [Your Last Name]” in the subject line.

No phone calls, please.

Independence House, Inc.is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, marital status, sexual

orientation, medical condition, or disability and denial of family medical leave and pregnancy leave.

This search is being conducted by Independence House, Inc.