Victims Shelter Assistant

* Victims Shelter Assistant is a grant funded position; therefore, the duration of this position is subject to the guidelines outlined in the grant.

SUMMARY: This is a non-clinical position as a Victim Shelter Assistant to provide victim services for women and men who are survivors of crimes that have resulted in the need to be housed/sheltered within a safe/transitional house through OVC Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program through the Grand Traverse Band (GTB). Provides direct client services assisting clients attaining shelter, coordinating clients with victims' advocates, and helping clients maintain safety and stability for herself/himself and their children. Responsible for daily operation of the shelter and safety of residents on assigned shifts, which may include day, evening and night shifts, on weekends and holidays, during staff vacation and as needed. This position is under direct supervision of Victim Shelter Coordinator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates Degree in Social Work or a related field (Bachelor's Degree preferred).
• 1-year of case management experience.
• Successful work or volunteer experience in a human service setting preferred.
• 1-year or more years direct service experience in an emergency shelter or homeless service.
• 1-2 years of professional/paraprofessional experience in prevention and the provision of service to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and victims of crime.
• Multicultural awareness.
• Must have a valid unrestricted Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

• Maintain client confidentiality as per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and complete HIPAA compliance training.
• Provide services such as: transportation, referrals, networking with area agencies, offering support and advocacy to enhance their safety and empowering clients who need assistance in finding employment, educational opportunities, childcare, direct services, etc.
• Develop case management plans with client's input upon intake ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Be responsible for maintaining a level of care and case management documentation consistent with the Grand Traverse Band Behavioral Health Services Policies and Procedures, Tribal Victims Services Set -Aside Program Policies/Procedures, Tribal, State Licensure and Federal Regulations as well as the ethical standards of the helping professions.
• Adhere to the highest level of confidentiality with all clients and families according to Behavioral Health (BH) Federal law and regulations, 42 CFR, Part 2, as well as those outlined in GTB Personnel Policy.
• Provide or coordinate client referrals for counseling, direct services, safety planning, etc. for assistance with issues relating to domestic violence (DV), sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and other crime.
• Provide appropriate interventions and coordination of crisis and/or emergency services.
• Advocate for client needs and rights as appropriate.
• Maintain regular contact with assigned clients in accordance to the program guidelines.
• Accommodate his/her work schedule to client's availability and living arrangements.
• Provides crisis support and empathy to residents and their children.
• Will meet weekly with the Victim Shelter Coordinator for case consultation.
• Understand and follow current policies and procedures for all shelter operations.

• Welcome new residents, completing intake and orientation. Clearly outlines shelter services and expectations.
• Monitor and enforce house rules and expectations as needed in accordance to protocol
• Respond to clients' needs and crisis utilizing an empowerment philosophy and according to protocol.
• Will abide by the objectives and goals of the Grant Project for successful implementation and completion.
• Assist in completion and submission of weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports to Victim Shelter Coordinator to ensure grant compliance.
• Maintain professional relationships with community agencies.
• Attend GTB and area DV Task Force meetings, area Human Service agency meetings as assigned or requested.
• Attend trainings/conferences to maintain high level of competency in addressing current issues involving victims of crimes.
• Assist in managing operation of the shelter and all related activities.
• Maintain safety, security and cleanliness of the shelter facility and premises.
• Respond to facility issues and needs appropriately and according to protocol.
• Ensure a safe and secure environment in the shelter by monitoring and maintain high standards of physical safety in the shelter with weekly inspection reports, accident reports, investigation reports, and compliance with all safety regulations.
• Complete documentation relevant to resident and facility reporting.
• Routinely review all required reports, logs, mails, etc. as needed, maintaining organized filing system.
• Identify systems and operations problem areas and make recommendations for improved performance.
• Assist with inventory of assigned equipment.
• Maintain current certifications in CPR and First aid.
• Participate in rotating on call system after hours with staff.
• Provide support to Victim Shelter Coordinator, Shelter Assistants and Advocates as assigned.
• Complete shift duties and walk-throughs thoroughly and twice each shift.
• Complete household cleaning tasks to supplement professional cleaning services.
• Clean and prepare bedrooms after resident's exits.
• All other duties as assigned.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills are critical.
• Good interpersonal skills as demonstrated in the seven grandfather teachings
• Good detail and follow-up skills.
• Functions as part of a team by supporting and working with other staff and with other organizations.
• Work requires proficiency in computer literacy, preferably in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and other Microsoft office products and database applications.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Must be able to work with all ages of the Native American population.
• Willingness to travel to OVC Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program trainings.
• Must support and demonstrate zero tolerance for domestic violence, sexual assault, and dating violence in Indian country.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree in Social Work or a related field (Bachelor's Degree preferred).
• 1-year experience in case management preferred.
• Successful work or volunteer experience in a human service setting preferred.
• 1-year or more years direct service experience in an emergency shelter or homeless services.
• 1-2 years of professional/paraprofessional experience in prevention and the provision of service to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and other forms of crime.
• Professional Ethical Standards of the position must be adhered to.
• Personal knowledge and support of the Anishinaabek culture in the provision of services.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid unrestricted Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB Insurance Carrier.
• Must have a good driving record and willingness to travel and transport clients within the six-county area using the Tribal vehicles.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment including but not limited to computers, calculators, copier, fax machine and phone systems.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires sitting, lifting reaching, walking and lifting heavy objects such as bags of groceries or several books at once.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

The complexity and responsibility inherent in this position requires the candidate to be able to perform independently, calmly and decisively, in response to the demands of the position and with above average ability.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• May also provide services at schools, in hospitals, and other locations in the six county service areas. At times, these services are provided collaboratively with Tribal Law Enforcement, other law enforcement agencies and hospital emergency room or paramedic staff.
• During the delivery of services, you may be working with clients who may have HIV, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, as well as other infectious diseases
• Some assignments will involve clients recovering from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse with the potential to exhibit violent, suicidal or abusive behaviors.
• Normal office environment with anticipated automobile travel for client visits in all six-county service area.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a criminal history background investigation with no felonies or serious misdemeanors and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy and federal regulations regarding confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through approved motion by Tribal Council. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.