Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate

Classification: Non-exempt, full-time or part-time shifts available
Salary: $22 – $24 per hour DOE

Overview

The Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate provides trauma-informed supportive services for clients participating in our domestic violence emergency shelter program with a primary focus on ensuring client safety and stability. Additionally, this position serves as the primary contact on our 24-hour crisis hotline to provide immediate assistance to domestic violence victims and the community. Please note: this is not a remote position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilizing a trauma-informed and client centered approach, provides ongoing support to domestic violence survivors including crisis intervention, safety planning, needs assessment and coordinating resources and services.
• Answers the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline to provide immediate assistance to survivors and the general public including conducting application interviews, shelter intakes and providing referrals to community resources.
• Assists residential clients with accessing program services, connecting to resources, and understanding and complying with program guidelines and policies.
• Collaborates with other program staff to ensure appropriate services are provided in compliance with program protocols and follows through on assigned tasks.
• Ensures timely and accurate completion of data entry and reporting, including hotline information, client status updates, incident reports, and other programmatic requirements.
• Monitors and maintains the shelter facility standards to provide a clean, safe and secure environment for clients. Reports any maintenance or security needs to appropriate parties.
• Ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures for employees and clients, including but not limited to confidentiality, safety protocols, legal requirements, ethical standards and administrative procedures.
• Participates in staff meetings including supervision, case conferences, trainings and other agency requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in social work or other human services field required. Minimum of one-year social services experience, residential setting preferred; or a combination of relevant education and experience.
• Experience working with domestic violence survivors and families in a professional setting preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish/English preferred.
• Completion of the 40-hour Domestic Violence training as approved by the State of California, or ability to successfully complete certification within six months of hire, required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work respectfully, non-judgmentally, and professionally with diverse populations in a culturally competent manner, including YWCA program participants, employees, volunteers, agency partners, and the community at large.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and effective listening skills.
• Ability to maintain a professional and calm demeanor during stressful situations and determine appropriate solutions consistent with established policies and procedures.
• Candidates will be subject to a background check.

Application Process

Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Show email. In the subject line, reference “Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate.” Applications without the requested information will not be considered.No phone calls, please.

Americans with Disability Specifications

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Employment Opportunity

YWCA of San Diego County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, HIV/AIDS status, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic characteristic or information, or any other basis protected by state, federal or local law. In addition, YWCA provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.