Domestic Violence Advocate

The Program:

YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program offers 24/7 shelter, a help hotline, and emergency intervention for victims of domestic violence. Providing services for the entire family in Kanawha, Clay and Boone counties, YWCA Resolve also offers case management, court advocacy, counseling, support groups, safety planning, monitored parent-child visitation/exchange, programs for children, and teen dating safety. Licensed by the West Virginia Family Protection Services Board, our mission is to eliminate domestic violence through leadership, education, empowerment and community collaboration.

The Position:

The Domestic Violence Advocate under the direction of the Program Director will work as a member of a team with other domestic violence advocates, coordinators, and supervisors to ensure continuous and smooth coverage of the program’s shelter facility and projects; emphasizing focus on crisis intervention, day-to-day operations, and the quality of life for the victims of domestic violence.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.

Additional Requisites:

• Good oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Sensitive to and knowledgeable about domestic violence.
• Ability to respond to clients in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities:

• Provides crisis and problem-solving support for persons seeking our services including those who call or drop in as well as shelter residents.
• Follows established protocols for crisis hotline calls, appropriately referring callers.
• Performs accurate and detailed intakes on residents admitted during the advocate’s shift.
• Assists the Director of Victim and shelter Services Coordinator in securing needed services for clients and participates in client relocation as needed.
• Advocates working 15 or more hours per week will work towards the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WVCADV) Domestic Violence Advocate certification by attending a minimum of 50 hours of WVCADV-approved training per year until certification.
• Upon obtaining the Domestic Violence Advocate certification each advocate will maintain their certification through approved continuing education.
• Maintains working knowledge of social services agencies and legal resources.
• Assists residents with general health care needs following universal precautions.
• Maintains accurate resident records and provides clear documentation of their progress.
• Assists in the accurate compilation of program statistics.
• Models trauma-competent approach to services that extend caring and empowerment to clients while sustaining client confidentiality.
• Works with Victim & Shelter Services Coordinator to ensure completion of accurate inventories and other records required for smooth and continuous operation of the shelter. Keeps Facility Coordinator apprised of facility problems/needs and repairs.
• Works with Victim & Shelter Services Coordinator and residents to ensure the shelter is kept clean and sanitary and completes assigned chores in this regard.
• Monitors client medications.
• Assures residents follow fire, health, and other safety codes.
• Guides residents in following shelter rules and regulations.
• Apprises Victim & Shelter Services Coordinator of recommended changes in shelter rules and regulations.
• Works with other Resolve staff and volunteers to plan holidays and other activities.
• With other advocates and on a rotating basis will write up and post the weekly menu. May be expected to prepare a meal not on the weekly menu for a resident with food allergies or other dietary requirements.
• When requested by the supervisor, assist in the training of new employees and volunteers.
• Facilitates the resolution of problems as they arise, modeling appropriate behavior.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and training programs.
• Assists with various duties associated with special events, fundraisers, or training which may happen outside of normal business hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

A complete job description is provided at the time of the interview.

Why Should You Apply?

• You want to make a difference and see positive change in a person’s life
• You are passionate about helping people become empowered to be self-sufficient
• You want to be part of a team that collaborates for the greater good of an individual and the organization

Compensation: $13.00 per hour w/ Shift Differential Pay.

About YWCA Charleston:

The YWCA Charleston has been fostering self-sufficiency and independence. Originally designed as safe lodging for young women from rural communities coming to Charleston to pursue careers, the YWCA has evolved into the city’s most diverse and comprehensive network of social service programs. YWCA programs, facilities, and services assist more than 5,000 individuals each year.

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