Overnight Advocate

JOB TITLE: Overnight Advocate

Supervise: None
Classification: Full Time non-exempt

Reports to: Shelter Manager
Position funded by a grant: Yes

On Call Responsibilities: No

JOB SUMMARY

Advocate answers incoming crisis calls and provides information and referrals about services and community resources. Completes paperwork upon admission and/or departures of families. Provides one-on one advocacy and case management to families receiving services. Works together with other team members to ensure families follow guidelines and safety procedures. Performs routine chores and cleaning tasks assigned to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the shelter facility. Advocate performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provides trauma-informed direct services to victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault and their children including support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, parenting support, information, and referrals.

· Provides support to survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault by answering the crisis hotline and providing advocacy, resources and referrals.

· Models and actively promotes positive, nurturing interactions between adults and children in shelter.

· Understands and utilizes principles of trauma informed care and the empowerment philosophy of advocacy.

· Communicates shelter rules and communal living guidelines to residents during shift.

· Reviews emergency procedures with other staff and residents on monthly basis and as need arises.

· Takes appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining a safe environment for residents and staff, and reports such situations in writing to supervisor.

· Approves and records financial requests and requests for overnight stays.

· Records documentation related to client services and financial assistance into the client data system.

· Completes Maintenance Room Checks.

· Helps staff coordinate programs in shelter with residents.

· Perform regular pack ups and records property belonging to clients who have abandoned shelter.

· Performs routine chores and cleaning tasks assigned to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the shelter facility.

· Facilitates and schedules transportation of clients to and/or from appointments as needed.

· Email requests to Shelter Managers to address maintenance issues as they arise.

· Fills in and meets with shelter clients when assigned Primary Advocates are scheduled to be off or out due to unexpected circumstances.

· Maintains shelter office space in accordance with Shelter Program procedures.

· Attends and participates in scheduled weekly and monthly meetings.

· Spends night at shelter in unusual circumstances, such as snow storm, or other emergency situation.

· Maintains various certifications of trainings in Domestic violence and Sexual Assault.

· Exhibits exemplary attendance and punctuality.

· Complies with company policies and procedures.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & RELATED EXPERIENCE

• Dedication to the mission of the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter.
• Dedication to the empowerment model of service delivery.
• Adherence to NWAWS core values
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Family and Human Services, or related field is preferred. On the job experience may substitute.
• Experience in social services and/or family violence.
• No prior felony convictions for violent offenses. Background checks and drug test will be conducted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Commitment to Quality Service: Builds and maintains client/community satisfaction with the services offered.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and other applications as well as experience using and entering data into client databases.
• Team Focused & Collaborative: Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and objectives.
• Self-Accountability & Work Standards: Sets high standards of performance for self and assumes responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks.
• Stress tolerance: Maintains composure during emergency and crisis situations. Flexibility and ability to follow directives during times of crisis.
• Professionalism and Personal Boundaries: Conducts self within appropriate and expected professional boundaries and policies.
• Conflict Management: Helps others with conflict resolution.
• Valuing Diversity: Helps to create an environment that embraces diversity.
• Confidentiality: Able to follow policies and procedures regarding confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate well both orally and in written form, and follow detailed instructions.
• Must have reliable transportation & valid Driver’s License.
• Must be able to provide transportation to NWAWS clients in shelter vehicles.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES AND INTERACTIONS WITH OTHERS

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. However, the Advocate will be expected to interact with co-workers and families we serve, on a daily basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are typically performed at the NWAWS facility. The work environment is usually controlled indoor environment with a moderate level of noise. The position requires occasional travel for meetings and/or trainings. Additionally, the work pace can be very fast and stressful at times.
Occasional risk of verbal and physical confrontation as part of the work environment. Exposure to chemical products for maintaining shelter cleanliness is to be expected.

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. The responsibilities, tasks and duties may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be required. Consistent with all federal and state disability laws, NWAWS will provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause undue hardship to the organization. NWAWS provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Overnight shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19