RRH-DV/SA Shelter Advocate

Summary: To facilitate healing of victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing sound emotional support to them and their family residing in shelter and/or Rapid Rehousing, in addition to acting as advocate with legal, medical, and other social service professionals.

Employees who are required to be certified to provide direct service to clients under the CGS 52-146K and the managers to these employees, are considered essential personnel. Their classification as essential personnel requires coverage of critical crisis services and residential presence during all shifts; daytime, nights, overnights, weekends, holidays, storms and other emergency situations.

Responsibilities:

·         Coordinate with other staff to provide crisis line coverage 24/7/365 and be available for after-hours as required including

          nights, weekends and holidays

·         Provide individual and group counseling, emotional support, and options to victims/survivors and their families and to

          make referrals when necessary/appropriate

·         Complete shelter screenings and intakes (within 24 hours) per established intake guidelines

·         Welcome and orient new residents

·         Support residents in establishing and achieving short and long-term goals

·         Coordinate and facilitate weekly client house meetings

·         Assist residents leaving shelter in transition to another living situation (including referrals, furniture, security deposits,

          applications)

·         Provide necessary cleaning of resident rooms upon exit. Prepare rooms for new resident arrival

·         Work to create a safe and clean-living environment by participating in cleaning the shelter

·         Accompany adult victims/survivors to a hospital or private physician, police and/or court when requested to provide

          advocacy and/or emotional support upon request

·         Keep informed of all services, referral resources, legislation, and policies regarding victims/survivors of domestic

          violence and sexual assault

·         Make regular contact with community organizations/service providers to assure effective referrals

·         Co-facilitate support groups and make every effort to provide childcare, if necessary

·         Assist with community education and provide in-services as requested

·         Provide application and information and support for Victim Compensation funds

·         Maintain and provide service data/statistics as required

·         Participate in individual and group supervision including advocate meetings and co-facilitator meetings

·         Be an ambassador for Susan B. Anthony Project. Participate in events, programs and promotions of awareness and

          advocacy

·         Other duties as assigned to further the mission of the agency

RRH Responsibilities:

·         Provide case management including trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches rebuilding self-esteem, developing

          essential life skills, and establishing financial independence 

·         Facilitate and advocate for financial assistance to cover clients’ security deposits, rent, utility bills, and other financial 

          needs

·         Create and facilitate relationships with local landlords and realtors

·         Complete all required paperwork, forms, and requests in a timely manner

·         Carrying a caseload of approximately 6-8 families (in addition to shelter or community clients)

·         Significant administrative responsibilities

o        Detailed Empower notes

o        Monthly rent requests

o        Completion of forms, applications, reports and other need documents

o        Real time updating of electronic and paper files

·         Attend regular meetings and/or trainings

·         Assistance with apartment searching and accompaniment to viewings

·         Reading, understanding and explaining leases

·         Provide housing, education and employment opportunities

·         Strong communication skills with RRH partner

Qualifications:

·         Education and experience that may have been gained through relevant training, employment, or volunteer experience

·         Certification as a DV/SA counselor per statute

·         Knowledge of counseling and social services

·         Ability to understand and incorporate the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence into work

·         Excellent problem solving and follow up skills

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Platform, and/or other programs

·         Ability to participate as a member of a team to enhance agency communication and operation

·         Use of positive communications and proactive conflict resolution

·         Ability to work with other agencies, systems, board and volunteers

·         Daily access to a car with a valid CT driver’s license

·         Ability to lift and move 25 pounds

·         Patience and a sense of humor

 Our Mission:

Susan B Anthony Project promotes safety, healing and growth for all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and advocates for the autonomy of women and the end of interpersonal violence. 

EEO Statement: We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, age, disability, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. SBAP is dedicated to insuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

Job Type: Full Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

Work Location: In Person, Torrington CT

Salary: $25.50

Salary : $26