Domestic Violence Services Lead Shelter Advocate - Evening and Weekends

Description

As a Lead Shelter Advocate, you will play a vital role in supporting survivors of domestic violence by helping to create a safe and empowering environment for them. You'll work alongside a dedicated team, guiding fellow advocates, ensuring the shelter runs smoothly, and ensuring the highest standards of care during the evenings and weekends. This is an opportunity to develop your skills in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and victim advocacy while making a real impact in the lives of those in need. 

Why you'll love working here:

• 80 hours of vacation time after 90 days of employment
• Up to 480 hours of accrued paid sick hours
• 8 paid holidays
• Full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision
• Company provided life insurance, with optional voluntary life insurance
• STD and LTD 
• 401k with Company Match
• EAP
• Employee Referral Program

What you'll do:

1. Team Leadership & Supervision: Lead the shelter during assigned shifts, ensuring smooth operations and efficient workflow.  Delegate tasks to shelter advocates, offering guidance and resolving any conflicts between staff or clients. Participation in the on-call rotation, including shift coverage when needed, is required.
2. Quality Control & Reporting: Oversee the accurate and timely completion of client files, intake/exit reports, and daily logs. Ensure that all written reports, critical incident reports, and other necessary documentation are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
3. Training & Staff Development: Provide consistent training to new staff on trauma-informed practices and shelter protocols, offering opportunities to shadow and learn, ensuring they are well-prepared to document and carry out their duties effectively. Continuously develop and maintain knowledge of domestic violence, victim services, and trauma-informed care through educational resources (e.g., books, ongoing training, and consultations) in areas such as mental health, substance abuse, and cultural awareness. This helps reduce barriers for victims and minimizes the risk of re-victimization.
4. Facility Safety & Maintenance: Monitor and maintain the cleanliness and safety of the shelter. Ensure that the environment is secure, conducive to healing, and well-maintained, reporting any facility or security issues to the appropriate parties.
5. Client Transportation Assistance: Coordinate and assist with transportation for clients to goal-setting appointments, such as job interviews, therapy sessions, and other self-sufficiency-related activities.
6. Crisis Intervention & Advocacy: Respond to crisis situations by offering immediate support, options, and referrals to clients. Ensure client safety and well-being while adhering to shelter policies. Consult with on-call supervisors when additional support is needed. Additionally, ensure that all staff understand and follow shelter guidelines and victim service standards, including strict adherence to confidentiality regulations and ethical practices.
7. Ongoing Client Advocacy: Advocate actively for all clients, monitoring their progress toward goals while maintaining professional boundaries. Provide input during team meetings to address concerns and collaborate on developing strength-based, trauma-informed solutions.
8. Community Partnerships & Referrals: Build and maintain relationships within local and statewide community organizations and services. Facilitate case coordination to ensure clients are connected to the resources needed to meet their goals.
9. Continual Learning & Professional Growth: Stay current on best practices in domestic violence services, trauma-informed care, and victim support. Participate in training, consultations, and certification programs to expand knowledge and improve service delivery. 

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education & Experience: A bachelor’s degree in psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related human services field is preferred. Alternatively, an associate’s degree in human services or demonstrated experience in crisis intervention, women’s issues, and victim advocacy is acceptable.
• Skills: Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, work effectively in a team, and provide crisis intervention in high-pressure situations.
• Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and handle tasks requiring physical activity (e.g., standing, walking, moving items).

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must maintain required training and certification per agency guidelines and licensing standards. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license, personal transportation, and auto insurance, and provide documentation of these. 
• Must meet agency insurance requirements to transport clients. 
• Must be able to communicate effectively both in person and via telephone.
• Must learn to use a TTD/TTY machine as needed.
• A poor driving record (multiple violation) may impact eligibility for driving duties.

Children & Families of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and dignity. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.