Shelter and Community Advocate

Crisis Center - Shelter & Community Advocate

Employment Description

The Crisis Center is dedicated to reducing domestic violence and family conflict through advocacy, education, violence prevention, and intervention services.

The Shelter and Community Advocate provides direct services (advocacy, education, referrals to community agencies, safety planning) and support to victims of domestic violence who reside in the community and within the emergency shelter setting. This position will also provide outreach and education to the community and collaborate with other service providers and the criminal justice system to advocate for the well being and safety of our clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet with assigned clients to assess client needs and assists clients in navigating through systems needed to ensure client safety and movement towards greater self-sufficiency.
• Provides domestic violence education and support. Provides high fidelity, wrap around services in accordance with Community Advocacy model.
• Maintain strong, supportive relationships and open communication with clients in the program.
• Communicate written and verbally with agency staff to ensure proper quality of service provision and continuity of care.
• Answers calls on our 24 hour crisis line to provide crisis intervention and support.
• Assist clients in development of safety plans through advocacy and DV education.
• Assist survivors in navigating civil and criminal legal systems, as well as formal systems.
• Facilitate groups for survivors of domestic violence.
• Engage in community outreach to educate systems and the community about domestic violence. Networks with other service providers (system/non-system) with the goal of creating seamless services for clients.
• Maintain strong, supportive relationships and open communication with clients in the program, as well as other program staff. All interactions with clients are to be respectful and professional. Maintain professional boundaries with clients.
• Maintain security and safety. Report any safety concerns immediately.
• Assures confidentiality of client information, presence in program, and program location at all times.
• Communicate with agency staff to ensure proper quality of service provision.
• Attends agency and program staff meetings.
• Participate in system data collection. Completes necessary paperwork and documentation as required, including documentation within the case management system.
• Provides on-call coverage for the 24-hour crisis line, which may include evenings, weekends and/or holidays. (Additional Compensation provided)
• Ability to problem solve with limited resources.
• Adheres to agency policies and procedures. Able to articulate and apply the policies and procedures to workplace.
• Assist in creating and implementing innovative programming.
• Assist in training in training of new coworkers and direct service volunteers.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor's degree in related field. Work experience may substitute for education.

Experience and desired skills:

• Bilingual in Spanish will receive priority.
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence.
• Knowledge of domestic violence and its impact.
• Ability to lift 20-30lbs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective professional relationships with shelter clients, coworkers, volunteers, and upper level staff.
• Adhere to and uphold all policies, procedures, and protocols of the Crisis Center
• Ensures implementation of expectations we have of clients while in shelter (Welcome Packet & Living Agreement).
• Ability to prepare concise and accurate records and reports.
• Knowledge of community resources and a willingness to stay abreast of new resources that may benefit your clients.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience, ability and willingness to work as a team with diversified staff, volunteers and constituents.
• Knowledge and experience in crisis intervention or domestic violence, advocacy and safety planning.
• Excellent presentation and training skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Willing to obtain CPR/First Aid Certificate (employer provided)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Dependable transportation. Most hold a valid Colorado State Driver’s License and provide proof of insurance. This position may require use of personal vehicle to transport clients. Must be considered an approved driver by Crisis Center, and as directed by agency insurance provider.
• Must pass background check, including Colorado Bureau of Investigation (fingerprint), Colorado TRAILS and review of sex offender registries for all states and jurisdictions where one has resided within the last five (5) years.

SCHEDULE/SALARY:

This is regularly scheduled, full-time, hourly, non-exempt position. Starting wage is $23.48-$25.73

Hybrid work environment - Once fully training, staff is able to work remotely 2 days per week.

BENEFITS:

• Paid time off (4 weeks accrued in first year)
• Seven (7) paid holidays
• Three (3) floating holidays
• $25,000 Life Insurance, employer paid
• Employee Assistance Program
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance. Employer pays a portion towards medical insurance. All other insurance premiums are covered by employee.
• 403 (b) retirement plan, employee contribution only

NOTE: This job description is not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of this position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements to the work of the Crisis Center and are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Crisis Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Crisis Center will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. The Crisis Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender status, military status, age over 40, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.48 - $25.73 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $26