Shelter Advocate

Position: Shelter Advocate
HOPE is dedicated to ending domestic violence by providing a wide range of services for victims and facilitating social change. We are currently seeking a part-time Shelter Advocate for weekend day and overnight shifts as well as weekday overnight shifts and holidays. This position serves victims of domestic violence and their children in a shelter setting. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, the ability to work independently with people in crisis situations, awareness of available social services in East Central Illinois, excellent verbal and written skills, and good communication skills. Must be willing to work overnight weekends and/or day shifts. Must also be willing to work overnights during the weekday. Holiday and Observed Holiday shifts also available.   

Job Description:         
Non-Exempt. Part-time position. Position is primarily responsible for advocacy, case management and counseling for shelter clients and their dependent children. Responsible to the Supervisor of Shelter Services.

Responsibilities:

1. Cover crisis hotline
2. Complete intakes and orientation for clients arriving in shelter
3. Establish safety plans with clients and review periodically
4. Establish goal plans with clients and assist them in obtaining and updating those goals
5. Document all interactions with clients, crisis calls, etc.
6. Conduct house meetings as needed
7. Provide advocacy and referrals for clients as needed
8. Implement and monitor shelter policies and procedures to assure client safety
9. Report all emergencies to supervisor
10. Inform the Supervisor of Shelter Operations of food supplies and inventory
11. Report maintenance problems to supervisor
12. Update and keep inventory of forms
13. Participate in shelter housekeeping, maintenance, office duties, etc.
14. Accurately document shift conditions, challenges and anticipated questions in the staff log
15. Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

High School diploma or equivalent required. Must be responsible, mature, flexible, capable of handling crisis situations and willing to work with a wide variety of adults and their dependent children. 40 hour domestic violence training and successful completion of a background check required. Must have excellent verbal and written skills. Must be willing to sign a confidentiality form indicating that the privacy of HOPE clients, staff and volunteers will be maintained.