What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Care Associate position at Refuge for Women?
Refuge for Women is a non-profit, faith-based organization providing specialized care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation. With multiple locations across the U.S., Refuge for Women offers safe housing, at no charge to the resident, with around-the-clock care as clients progress through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming. The compassionate staff is trained to help residents work through the program to reclaim their identities and reach their goals to overcome addictions, heal from trauma and develop life skills leading to healthy, balanced living and financial independence. Refuge for Women strives to help each woman complete the program with a vision for her future, equipped to succeed and sustain a life marked with dignity and hope.
Refuge for Women is a faith-based organization and it is important for staff to share the same basic values and expectations held by Refuge for Women. We require that all staff are believers in Jesus Christ. Read our Statement of Faith.
To view Refuge for Women's benefits, click HERE.
Position Overview
The Residential Shift Leader works in the safe house during the assigned shift to maintain a safe healing environment for residents and provide consistent operations by upholding the program model and resident guidelines. Maintain strong leadership in any situation, including conflict resolution, crisis response and handling difficult relational dynamics. Communicate effectively with residents and hold them accountable as they progress through the program and learn successful life skills. Model healthy relational boundaries in a home environment with the residents. Ensure day-to-day program and house activities are carried out by the residents in accordance with the mission, vision and values of Refuge for Women.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Uphold resident guidelines, schedule and program requirements during assigned shift
- Assist program director in carrying out day-to-day activities with the residents
- Complete Communication Log for program director at end of each shift
- Follow procedures for crisis or other unexpected situations with residents that may arise during assigned shift
- Encourage residents in completion of assigned tasks and classwork as they progress through the program
- Provide pertinent feedback to program directors to ensure continued progress and success of residents
- Work with program director, staff, volunteers or other shift leaders to coordinate and provide transportation for medical, recovery meetings, church, grocery shopping, training and employment activities as needed
- Work with volunteer coordinator as needed for planned volunteer activities and provide input about potential volunteer activities or items needed for the safe house
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings and development activities
Skills and Expectations
- Strong written and verbal communications skills
- Strong servant leadership and teamwork skills
- Teachable, self-motivated, organized
- Loving but firm temperament, willing to take initiative in stressful situations
- Bilingual is a plus
Qualifications
- Proficiency with emergency or crisis procedures
- Must be able to operate a motor vehicle safely and confidently at all times of day or night
- Knowledge about addict behaviors and trauma is very helpful
- Familiarity with 12-step or similar healing and recovery program (e.g. Celebrate Recovery)
