Overnight Advocate

Position Title: General Crisis and Shelter Advocate, Crisis Shelter and Outreach Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Sr. Manager (With Lead as additional support)

Position Purpose

Harbor House’s General Crisis and Shelter Advocates implement, oversee and evaluate the delivery of client services and shelter operations in alignment with the Crisis and Shelter Program. The role of the advocate is to empower individuals affected by violence through the use of trauma-informed, evidence-based best practices, including active listening, empathetic validation, and connection to community resources that support independent and safe living. Advocates work closely with other program staff and partner programs/agencies within the community to support clients and potential clients. All Harbor House employees, including this position, are responsible for supporting and directly contributing to a culture of collaborative leadership.

Position Summary

Advocates are responsible for providing trauma-informed, evidence-based best practice services including crisis response, shelter support and management, and providing advocacy, counseling, safety planning, and crisis intervention to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Advocates are cross-trained in the below essential duties and responsibilities to enable consistent and inclusive services to clients. General crisis and shelter advocates identify a primary work schedule based on the below:

• Overnight Shifts
• Weekend Shifts

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Advocacy and Support Services
• Provide short-term individual advocacy, counseling, safety planning, and crisis intervention to all residents, including children
• Manage a caseload of survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence, providing case

management, education, support, and networking options with other survivors in alignment with trauma-informed, evidence-based best practices.

• Communicate with Advocate team to ensure quality services to residents o Shelter Management
• Oversee the operational and programmatic support services necessary for the crisis and shelter program o Assess and conduct initial intake of new residents and walk-ins
• Enable a safe and respectful community living environment through safety checks,

supplying personal items, and maintaining a dignified shelter environment.

Crisis Management

• Manage and triage crisis calls to assess immediate needs, identify culturally appropriate resources and referrals, and support callers in developing a plan of action
• Provides emotional support, crisis intervention, and de-escalation

Community Collaboration and Coordination

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with other community service providers.
• Develop and implement collaborative strategies with other community service

providers in providing survivor choice in the types of services that would significantly support and enhance their ability to have a life free of violence.

• Participate in community meetings, trainings, and committees in order to network for resources and better communication.

Quality Assurance

• Maintain accurate and timely record keeping to ensure precise, effective, and efficient demonstration of program services and in support of client safety
• Align with organizational practices and processes to enable an equitable, safe, inclusive environment for clients and staff.
• Other duties as assigned to support the growth and functioning of the organization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to meet one of the following: o High school diploma/GED equivalent
• Relevant professional experience with transferrable skills o Demonstrated ability to meet critical skills and knowledge needed for success within the position.
• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous advocacy experience or equivalent in related fields. o Basic knowledge of the criminal and civil justice system and the legal rights of victims.
• Experience working in violence against individuals and the corresponding issues, trauma, and impact.

CRITICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Effectively engage with clients, staff, and community partners with empathy, respect, and a non-judgmental attitude to establish trust and rapport.
• Active listening, assessing and understanding needs and concerns o Maintaining professional boundaries, and ensuring the relationship remains positive and productive.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to relate to individuals and groups respectfully and in alignment with Harbor House’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
• Dedication to implementing and maintaining policies, procedures and standards associated

with client confidentiality, client/staff boundaries, client/staff safety and other associated standards.

• Experience with and/or ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite. o Openness to being adaptable based needs of clients and shelter
• Willingness to work in shelter to maintain operations including cleaning, sorting, etc.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

This position may be expected to participate in signature fundraisers, agency events, and community engagement activities. Advance notice will be provided if required.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the requirements of the position. Harbor House may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Harbor House is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Our commitment to diversity extends to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered. Harbor House stands firmly against any form of discrimination and strives to promote an environment of respect, equity, and inclusivity for all.