Residential Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

WEAVE’s mission is to promote safe and healthy relationships and support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. WEAVE’s vision is When Everyone Acts, Violence Ends.

Position Summary: 

Under the direction of the Residential Services Manager, the Specialist is the backbone of the Residential Services Department’s primary role of providing lodging and support resources to survivors and their families in WEAVE’s 24/7 domestic violence shelter and transitional housing sites. The Residential Services Specialist team is critical to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking by providing safe, clean, accessible, and welcoming environments in our residential programs. This position is tasked with creating a nurturing and secure atmosphere, fostering community amongst survivors, and providing emotional support and emergency supplies as needed to ensure survivors can live in a calm and supportive environment that gives them space to heal.   Shifts are overnights (Sat and Sun 10pm to 6am).

Key Responsibilities:

Residential Service

· In conjunction with the rest of the Residential Services team, provide 24/7 staffing for WEAVE’s confidential emergency shelter and transitional housing sites.

· Maintain high visibility for residents in the primary safehouse facility by staffing the central rotunda desk at the shelter.

· Manage gate access to the secure property and monitor security cameras for both confidential sites.

· Provide residents with basic emergency supplies, such as food, clothing, toiletries, and other essentials as needed from on-hand supplies.

· Clean and prepare rooms and shared spaces after residents depart, which may include stripping and making beds, doing laundry, cleaning bathrooms or kitchen spaces, and other related household chores. While weekly professional janitorial services are utilized as part of shelter operations, Specialists may be asked to assist with cleaning on an as needed basis.

· Ensure the safety and comfort of residents and staff by enforcing shelter rules, policies, and security protocols.

· Participate in routine orientations, training, and meetings on cleanliness protocols and emergency procedures.

· Actively monitor and address the maintenance and cleanliness needs of facilities and sites to create a welcoming and comfortable environment. This includes organizing and storing supplies and donations, keeping shared spaces and storage areas tidy, and assisting with preparations for routine maintenance services such as pest treatments.

· Respond to WEAVE’s 24/7 support and information line, providing emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to internal and external resources.

Direct Service:

· Create and maintain professional relationships with all residents to foster an atmosphere of empathy and safety. Support residents in a manner that honors their individual experiences.

· Actively work to reduce barriers to services for all residents and provide services that are responsive and inclusive to all survivors, regardless of their characteristics or experiences. Approach all residents in a survivor-centered, trauma-informed manner.

· Respond promptly and effectively to crisis situations, providing immediate emotional support for resident survivors and their families to ensure their safety and well-being.

· Facilitate connections between residents and their assigned case manager for non-emergency issues or those that require follow-up.

· Organize and facilitate approved recreational activities for residents to promote community and connection.

Respond to WEAVE’s 24/7 support and information line, providing emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to internal and external resources. 

Other Responsibilities:

· Consistent with agency and program requirements, maintain accurate, timely records of contacts with clients in WEAVE’s data tracking tool, Apricot.

· Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and one-on-one meetings with supervisors to enhance skills, knowledge, and awareness of issues relevant to this role and best practices.

· Adhere to all agency and department policies and procedures.

· Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

· Minimum of associate degree in social work, facility management, or a related field, or demonstrated experience.

· Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and understanding of domestic violence issues.

· Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

· Crisis intervention skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

· Previous experience working in a shelter, crisis center, or social service setting is preferred.

· Bilingual skills are desired.

· Complete WEAVE’s 69-hour peer counselor training program and pass background check (post-hiring requirement).

· Annual completion of WEAVE’s continuing education requirements to maintain Peer Counselor Certification.

· Valid California Driver’s license and reliable transportation, including vehicle insurance.

ADA Job Characteristics:  

WEAVE is committed to providing inclusive, accessible, and respectful workplaces for all staff, including those with disabilities such as being in a wheelchair, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, blind or low vision or other access or functional needs and we works to equip staff of all abilities with reasonable accommodation to perform their job functions. These can include the provision of adaptive equipment, materials in alternate formats, and flexible work schedules.  Our priority is to provide ongoing, individualized accommodation to give all staff access to resources best suited to their needs.  If you require accommodation to access this job application, please send a request to View email address on ziprecruiter.com. 

The work environment is in residential program settings. Local driving is required to various agency sites. Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs. often and move 50 lbs. Occasionally, extend both arms above the head and/or reach below the waist, stoop, squat, crawl, bend the back to retrieve items, climb stairs, or use an elevator. Employees may also need to remain in one position (i.e. sitting or standing) for an extended period while completing work tasks. Must be able to efficiently operate a keyboard and mouse or adaptive equivalent, write reports, take notes; utilize desk tools such as phones or calculators, and utilize larger office equipment such as printers and copy machines. Communicate clearly and concisely with others. Apply above average reasoning and detail as required in the accomplishment of duties. 

Reasons to Work for WEAVE:  

• Compensation & Benefits : We offer competitive non-profit wages, 100% health insurance premium coverage for most eligible employees, dental and vision insurance, long-term disability, and life insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer match contributions, paid holidays, generous PTO accrual, California Paid Sick Leave, an Employee Assistance Plan, and more.
• Growth-Oriented : WEAVE encourages employees to constantly learn and grow their skills; we provide continuing education opportunities, social justice learning opportunities and when possible, we strive to give staff opportunities to attend appropriate conferences and seminars relevant to their work.
• Collaborative & Inclusive Culture:  We are committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible work environment where all staff and clients feel welcome; we celebrate our differences and actively seek out new perspectives from our staff to improve our programs and services. The successful candidate must be willing and able to work positively with other staff and clients with broad arrays of backgrounds and life experiences.  All employees of WEAVE have a responsibility to always treat others with dignity and respect. All employees are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during work, at work functions on or off the work site, and at all other organization-sponsored and participative events. All employees are also required to attend and complete annual diversity, equity, and inclusion awareness training to enhance their knowledge to fulfill this responsibility.