Shelter Advocate - Relief

Job Description

Job Description

Summary: Provide resources/referral/support to individuals and families staying at the Lewis House emergency shelter who have experienced domestic abuse and/or sexual assault. This includes promoting safety planning and goal planning with the individual/family and assisting with day-to-day duties in shelter. Works with residents of the shelter and answers crisis hotline. Shelters operate and are staffed 24/7. Relief staff are fill-in positions not having a regular schedule and may be called upon to pick up and work shifts on day, evening and/or nights. Currently more availability of shifts on day hours. Must pick and work at least 2 shifts per month to remain actively employed. This is an on-site position at our shelter in Eagan. This is not a live-in position. Benefits include an employer matching 401k plan and sick and safe time. $1/hour shift differential for hours worked from 11 pm - 7 am. 1-2 years of related experience working with victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. Bachelor’s degree preferred, but experience in lieu of degree will be considered.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission statement and core values at all times. The mission statement is “360 Communities delivers safety and stability that improves lives.”

2. Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, information, referrals, and supportive services as needed to domestic and sexual violence victims/survivors and their family members. This includes work done in person with shelter residents, walk-ins, or over the phone in calls that come to our crisis line(s).

3. Provide holistic advocacy services and resources to Lewis House residents and community clients, including safety planning, child/adult education, community connections/resources, housing, financial, legal (excluding legal advice), building support networks, and other services/resources as identified.

4. Assist victims/survivors with completing paperwork and applications. This may include Orders for Protection, Harassment Restraining Orders, benefit application forms, housing application forms, and more as needed.

5. Complete initial intake with new shelter residents. This includes providing a tour, basic need items, gathering needed information upon arrival.

6. Complete follow up from police reports/calls and assist victims/survivors with initial needs. This includes providing emotional support, resources, safety planning, assistance with protective orders, screening for safe housing, and more.

7. Complete and assist with day-to-day duties in shelter. This includes cleaning bedrooms/turnover, putting away food orders, assisting residents with daily chores, general cleaning for health/safety, making copies of needed forms/documents, accepting/sorting/distributing donations, working with volunteers, etc.

8. Depending on shifts that are covered and program needs, Relief Shelter Advocates may do the following: • Facilitate and participate in group activities at Lewis House. This may include house meetings and planned family activities. • Respond to hospital calls at Fairview Ridges and Regina hospitals to provide support to victims/survivors during forensic exams as able during scheduled work times. • Facilitate educational support groups for victims/survivors

9. Maintain accurate data for statistical purposes as well as narratives for service delivery provisions.

10. Actively participate and attend staff meetings.

Education and/or Experience:

1-2 years of related experience working with victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. Bachelor’s degree preferred, but experience in lieu of degree will be considered.

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Completion of 40-hour sexual assault training prior to employment is preferred, but will help obtain if needed (within six months of employment)