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, holidays, and observed 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 weekday shifts and day and/or overnight shifts on the weekend. Some holidays and observed holidays also required. Pay starts at $18/hr, and is $20/hr for 3+ shifts worked per week.    

Job Description:         
Non-Exempt. Part-time position. Position is primarily responsible for advocacy, reviewing safety and goal plans, and emotional support 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. Review safety plans with clients periodically
4. Review goal plans with clients
5. Document all interactions with clients, crisis calls, etc.
6. Conduct house meetings as needed
7. Complete room checks as needed
8. Provide advocacy and referrals for clients as needed
9. Implement and monitor shelter policies and procedures to assure client safety
10. Report all emergencies to supervisor
11. Inform Shelter Manager of food supplies and inventory
12. Report maintenance problems to supervisor
13. Update and keep copies as needed of current forms for shelter
14. Assist with fundraisers
15. Office duties such as filing, answering phones, and greeting the public
16. Participate in shelter housekeeping, maintenance, office duties, etc.
17. Accurately document shift conditions, challenges and anticipated questions in the staff log
18. 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.