Weekend 3pm-11pm Advocate-domestic Violence

**About us**

The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization both locally and throughout the world. Our mission is to build an environment where women and girls thrive. Our organization is affiliated with the YWCA USA and dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

**Position Overview**:
Working under the supervision of the Director of Residential Services and/or the Residential Services Coordinator, Advocates are the first point of contact for individuals seeking refuge from intimate partner violence, most typically through the safe house shelter operated by the organization. The primary location for service delivery by the Advocate is at the shelter with vital functions including support of the 24-hour domestic violence and sexual assault hotline, hospital accompaniment, case management, transportation to legal/medical/counseling services, and direct assistance in helping clients secure a safe and uplifting residence of their own.
- While many position responsibilities are outlined, it is understood that additional duties and specific directives will be provided by Director of Residential Services and Shelter Services Coordinator with oversight by the Chief Executive Officer as they pertain to the effective and efficient operation of the organization._

**Essential Job Functions**:

- Provides overlapping support to the Residential Senior Advocates to ensure increased coverage of the 24-hour hotline and address client’s residential needs within the safe house shelter;
- Responds to 24-hour hotline calls and conducts lethality assessments;
- Assists each caller in completing a comprehensive safety plan;
- Provides hospital accompaniment to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault at the local hospital(s,) including on-call availability;
- Conveys intake information to callers seeking shelter and conducts intakes utilizing Apricot Social Solutions case management software;
- Completes victim follow-up outreach calls;
- Completes intake paperwork, including establishing comprehensive paper and electronic client files;
- Provides initial program orientation (including client handbook, procedures, and safe house tour) at the time of intake;
- Conducts regular rounds of the shelter and proactively interacts with clients;
- Ensures all shelter spaces are prepared to receive guests;
- Utilizes 45-day Program and maintains appropriate (and detailed) case and service notes for each client;
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date data entry and statistical information for electronic files, grants and departmental reports;
- Develops and revises programmatic initiatives to best meet the needs of the clients being services;
- Takes an active role in maintaining and improving the appearance of the shelter, program materials, and any other outputs utilized by participants, staff, volunteers and other interested parties;
- Prepares Discharge Plan and Departure Information and conducts Exit Interviews at the time of transition for each client;
- Provides regular on-site shelter support. _This is a 24-hour program and all team members must be available weekends, evenings, and holidays. A regular schedule is provided, but may be altered if warranted by the program._
- Attends staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.

**Advocacy Details**:

- Provides client-centered support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking;
- Provides information, referral, and safety planning;
- Familiarizes client with 45-day safe house programming;
- Assists safe house residents with completing YWCA Empowerment Plan;
- Maintains comprehensive case and service notes for each client interaction;
- Connects clients with YWCA and community partner resources for healing and independence;
- Maintains appropriate boundaries with residents;
- Maintains confidentiality per COMAR and agency guidelines.

**Facility Operations Details**:

- Completes shift procedures as outlined;
- Ensures food and other supplies are stocked, inventoried, and organized;
- Monitors alarm system and security cameras;
- Checks lighting and grounds to ensure safety;
- Receives donations and follows logging procedures;
- Works with volunteers to ensure they are best utilized, valued, trained, and thanked;
- Performs light housekeeping duties to maintain the appearance of the safe house;
- Prepares meals for residents;
- Outlines program calendars including meals, outings, activities, support groups, and others as appropriate;
- Participates in weekly activities with residents and encourages involvement;
- Prepares welcome kits for all new residents (adults and children, restocks supplies as needed, solicits donations for this purpose);
- Provides minor maintenance requiring simple hand tools and schedules outside vendors for more complex maintenance needs. Maintenance expenditures over $200.00 must first be approved by a supervisor.

**Addit