Part-time Shelter Advocate

Position Title: Part-Time Shelter Advocate  

Primary Function: As a part of Safe Harbor’s Shelter Team, this position will work to strengthen service delivery and maintain the operation of the shelter program.  As its primary function, the Shelter Advocate will provide support, advocacy, resource coordination and referrals to survivors of domestic abuse residing in Safe Harbor’s emergency shelter program. This position is responsible for safety planning, crisis intervention, goal setting, resource coordination, and planning and facilitating domestic abuse education and support groups for survivors. The Shelter Advocate works collaboratively with both internal and external programs and agencies to meet the various needs of survivors. This is a part-time hourly exempt position not eligible for full benefits. 

 Reports To: Shelter Advocacy Coordinator 

Job Responsibilities 

• Complete trauma informed client intakes and assessments to determine appropriateness for shelter program and identify the best course of action to meet survivor’s needs.  

• Work with survivors to create, implement, monitor, and update individualized safety plans. 

• Provide trauma informed advocacy, referrals, education, and support to survivors of domestic abuse.  Assist survivors with obtaining assistance with basic needs, including, but not limited to housing, employment, legal and medical resources. 

• Assist with developing housing partnerships within the community to enhance access to housing opportunities for domestic abuse survivors residing in emergency shelter.  

• Assist with coordination of services for children, youth and families residing in emergency shelter, including, but not limited to parenting support, childcare resources, and assistance with school enrollments. 

• Facilitate and lead discussions and/or groups with clients aimed at developing an understanding of trauma, promotion of healthy relationships and strength building, as well as increasing overall knowledge base of life skills and community supports.     

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local community agencies, service providers, and community resources that are regularly utilized by survivors of domestic abuse. 

• Maintain a current guide of community resources, assist survivors with navigating referrals, and establishing access points to needed services. 

• Observe all standards of confidentiality, maintain client database, and ensure accurate, detailed, and timely documentation of client files and administration of client surveys. 

• Assist with day-to-day shelter operation by creating a shelter culture that exemplifies teamwork and respect; promotes safety; responds to client concerns and challenges in a trauma informed manner; and strives to create a caring and inclusive environment marked by empathy, understanding, and acceptance.  

• Attend staff, team and supervisory meeting as scheduled. 

• Lend enthusiastic support to agency policies, events, and to fellow co-workers. 

• To assume such other duties as assigned by the Shelter Advocacy Coordinator or Director of Housing and Shelter Advocacy. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree or Associate Degree in Human Services or related field with 1 year experience (preferred). 

• Ability to work with diverse individuals in an empathetic and nonjudgmental manner. 

• Demonstrates respect for others’ experiences, language, culture, and knowledge. 

• Ability to demonstrate organizational skills and ability to navigate complex situations in a crisis oriented environment. 

• Commitment to team work and collaboration. 

• Ability to manage confidential information in an appropriate manner. 

• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evening and weekend shifts. 

• Good verbal and written skills in English (bilingual language skills are a plus). 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office. 

• Possession of a valid SC Driver’s License. 

• Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic abuse and demonstrated track record in advocacy (preferred). 

• Ability to facilitate weekly domestic abuse education groups. 

• Public speaking experience (preferred).