Hummingbird Haven Shelter Advocate

CAST has an immediate opening for a Shelter Advocate Weekend overnight position at our Hummingbird Haven transitional shelter program.

About the Shelter Advocate position:

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Shelter Advocate position is at the Hummingbird Haven Transitional Shelter Program under the Empowerment Department. The Shelter Advocate position provides resident supervision, client assistance, and house management for survivors of human trafficking and modern day slavery. In addition, this position will work closely with shelter staff to assist in program operations and support. This responsible position must maintain a high level of security and confidentiality required for this type of program.

This position requires thorough knowledge and understanding of human rights, and a strengths-based, trauma informed approach in serving clients. The person filling the Shelter Advocate position should be able to intervene effectively in resident crises and conflicts and maintain detailed records and documentation to ensure the smooth operation of the shelter. The candidate should also possess a high level of flexibility, maturity, and awareness of the dynamics within a shelter setting.

SCHEDULE (32 hours)

Saturday and Sunday 12am-8:30am. 16 hours per week

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Resident Supervision and Interaction: Provide support and assistance to shelter residents.

• Ensure that residents are adhering to shelter guidelines;
• Follow all shelter safety and confidentiality protocols and ensure residents do as well;
• Help to mediate any disputes and ensure shelter is a hospitable environment for all residents;
• Coordinate with Shelter Program Manager and Case Manager on client needs and requests;
• Be available to respond to client questions and needs;
• Help develop, facilitate house meetings, workshops and social activities/events; and
• Ensure that residents have access to household and personal supplies;

House Management: Oversee the daily operations of the shelter.

• Document any incidents, resident issues that arise throughout shift (and contact Shelter Program Manager or on call staff as needed);
• Review cameras to ensure that the shelter is remaining safe externally. Document any incidents;
• Report and manage any maintenance issues that may occur (in cooperation with Shelter Program Manager);
• Ensure all clients are checked in by curfew;
• Monitor the house at a minimum of twice per shift to maintain safety of clients and shelter space;
• Perform lock up procedures at 11:00pm (if during shift). Fill out checklist;
• Assist with inventory of supplies for the house and residents;
• Ensure communal chore assignments are being completed;
• Data entry in database before shift ends;
• Log activities in the staff log at the end of each shift; and
• Uphold policies and procedures that contribute to the safety and confidentiality of the CAST Shelter Program.

Crisis Intervention: Provide short-term intervention to help clients receive assistance, resources, stabilization and support.

• Assess and respond to client crises with a strengths-based, problem-solving approach;
• Contact Shelter Program Manager or on call staff member if immediate assistance is needed to stabilize a client; and
• Document all incidents and continue to monitor resident relations.

Conflict Resolution: Manage and diffuse conflict between residents as they occur and manage any safety concerns that may arise from conflicts.

• Assess and respond to conflict and offer a peaceful solution to disagreements;
• Contact Shelter Program Manager or on call staff members if immediate assistance is needed;
• Document all incidents and continue to monitor resident relations; and
• Communicate disputes and/or issues that require further intervention to Shelter Program Manager.

Hotline Calls: Answer hotline calls from CAST's 24/7 hotline during required shifts.

• Answer hotline calls from CAST's 24/7 hotline, and respond accordingly;
• Perform client intake, screen new referrals, triage needs, create initial action plans, and coordinate with client, CAST staff, and partners to address emergency needs.
• Inform on-call Emergency Response staff of any urgent calls that required immediate follow-up from the hotline;
• Document all hotline calls in the database.

*Other duties in line with the Hummingbird Haven Shelter Program needs, as needed and requested.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Arts or Science degree, or extensive experience and demonstrated skills and aptitude considered in lieu of education.
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish, Arabic, Amharic or SE Asian).
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations and/or with individuals who have limited English proficiency.
• Minimum of 1 year experience working in the shelter setting.
• Ability to maintain a positive, cooperative, and professional demeanor with clients, partner organizations, volunteers/interns, staff/board, donors, consultants, and members of the public.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be organized, flexible, detail-oriented, and multi-tasking.
• Sincere commitment to working independently and responsibly. Must be a self-starter, able to work in a team environment and manage time effectively.
• A willingness and ability to learn about the complex issues of human trafficking and modern-day slavery and to abide by the mission and philosophy of CAST. Knowledge and understanding of immigrant and refugee rights and trafficking issues.
• Knowledge of and experience in supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution techniques. Ability and willingness to effectively intervene in and resolve resident disputes.
• Appreciation of sensitive confidentiality issues with demonstrated commitment to strengths-based, client-centered practice.
• CA driver's license with access to insured car (Good driving record a must).
• Physical demands are typical for an office environment, including sitting, reaching, lifting, speaking, hearing, and seeing. Reasonable accommodations will be made.

Please be advised that this position is contingent upon grant funding to the organization and that the start date will be determined according to the commencement of the funding.

Due to the high volume of resumes received only qualified candidates will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

CAST encourages survivors of human trafficking to apply for all employment opportunities within CAST. For this position, the candidate must not have been a client of CAST's Case Management Program within the last 2 years.

The Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAST complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

CAST expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAST's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.