Resident Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

*This is an in-person position. Open position is for 20-hour weekend-only midnights requiring two 10-hour shifts (Friday and Saturday). *

TITLE: Resident Advocate

REPORTS TO: Director of Shelter

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Turning Point, Inc in Mount Clemens, MI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Turning Point, Inc empowers survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence. We offer emergency shelter, housing, advocacy/counseling, forensic nurse examiner program & first response advocacy services, 24-hour hotline, personal protection order assistance and legal advocacy, community education, and systems change.

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Resident Advocate will work closely with shelter residents to provide information, support, referrals, follow-up, and advocacy to assist residents to meet their individual service goals. The Resident Advocate also provides support to Turning Point’s 24-hour hotline, answering calls and covering open shifts.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervision responsibilities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:

The ideal candidate must have knowledge of survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and empowerment-based interventions with individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. This includes a foundational understanding of anti-oppression frameworks and the dynamics of power and control that shape survivors’ experiences. Specific knowledge in crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, lethality assessments, safety planning, and intake procedures is essential. Familiarity with shelter operations, hotline response, and empowerment counseling models is highly desired. Candidates should also demonstrate an understanding of advocacy within systems such as healthcare, criminal justice, family court, child welfare, education, and human services. Additionally, candidates must have knowledge of victims’ rights, confidentiality standards, and community-based resources that support survivors and their families. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, along with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse populations.

EDUCATION:

A Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field or 2-5 years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking is preferred.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement agency and program mission and empowerment philosophy
• Administer and implement agency policies and procedures
• Maintain agency policy on confidentiality, record keeping and professional ethics
• Complete accurate and timely daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly documentation and other reports as required by the program and funding sources.
• Conduct weekly resident council meetings for survivors to share resources, updates, shelter events, etc.
• Address communal living issues with residents.
• Develop and maintain a current referral list of local agencies and provide information and referrals to callers and residents.
• Conduct weekly housing and employment search trips with current residents as needed.
• Support Case Managers daily by assisting as needed and collaborating to develop and implement a basic computer skills curriculum that helps residents achieve housing, employment, and personal goals.
• Provide advocacy as needed for residents with community organizations.
• Provide support and coverage for Turning Point’s 24-hour hotline
• May be required to transport residents in personal vehicle as needed.
• Follow up and modify safety assessment and safety plans of residents as needed.
• Respond to calls on the agency’s 24-hour crisis hotline
• Dispatch First Responders and Forensic Nurse Examiners
• Process phone and in-person intakes for shelter
• Coordinate services with other shelter units (children’s program, case management, facilities management, etc.) and with other departments in the organization.
• Conduct relationships with colleagues to promote mutual respect, improvement of services, and problem solving.
• Participate in applicable staff and committee meetings, and other meetings deemed necessary by Turning Point.
• Notify the Director of Shelter, Senior Director of Residential Services, or Chief Executive Officer of any emergency situations that may affect Turning Point staff and/or clients.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced office environment.
• Allows for flexibility in schedule and job function adapting work to needs of residents.
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to lift 20-30 lbs.
• Must be able to flex schedule to fill in weekend and midnight shifts.
• Ability and willingness to be available for non-scheduled emergency call-in when necessary.
• Must have the ability to work with diverse populations.
• Must have reliable transportation, insurance, a valid Michigan Driver’s License and a good driving record.
• Must pass a central registry and criminal background check as a condition of employment.

Turning Point, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, height, weight or Veteran status.