Shelter Advocate Relief

LAURA'S HOUSE:

Changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Shelter Advocate ensures the safety and security of shelter residents. The primary accountabilities of this position are to (1) provide crisis intervention, information and referrals to individuals calling the 24-hour hotline, (2) complete telephone intakes for individuals seeking access to the Emergency Shelter, (3) provide access to Safety Net to eligible callers, and (4) respond to client needs during evening and weekend hours.

HOURS: As Needed (called to cover for vacation, sick and holidays)

JOB DUTIES:

1. Provide crisis intervention, information and referrals to individuals calling the 24-hour hotline.
2. Complete telephone intakes for individuals seeking access to Safety Net and/or Emergency shelter.
3. Provide access to Safety Net to eligible callers.
4. Assist with Safety Net Assessment.
5. Assist Client Services Coordinator as needed.
6. Assist with Case Management and admin duties as needed.
7. Provide crisis intervention and conflict resolution to residents as needed.
8. Assist with childcare as needed.
9. Supervise volunteers as needed.
10. Enforce Emergency Shelter/Step Ahead policies and procedures.
11. Enter statistical data for contract and other reporting requirements as needed.
12. Other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Preserve confidentiality of all client, staff, volunteer and agency information.
2. Represent the agency in a positive, professional manner at all times.
3. Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and other staff.
4. Maintain a tidy, organized work area.
5. Participate in agency functions as a participant or presenter as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor's degree in human services or related field or equivalent experience preferred.
2. Crisis intervention and/or services for domestic violence survivors preferred.
3. Experience in residential settings preferred.
4. 40-hour domestic violence training as required by law.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Bilingual Spanish preferred.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
3. Customer service skills.
4. Basic computer skills.
5. Works well independently.
6. CPR and First Aid.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and appropriate insurance.
2. Finger Printing and TB Test.
3. Employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to feel and handle; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
4. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

This description reflects the principal functions of the job for the purpose of job evaluation. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements of the job nor shall be construed as giving exclusive responsibility for every function described.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Laura's House is committed to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination. It is the policy of Laura's House to conduct our relations with employees and applicants for employment based on merit without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, citizenship status, religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), creed, political affiliation or belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), gender transitioning, physical or mental disability, physical handicap, national origin (including language use restrictions and possession of a driver's license issued under Vehicle Code section 12801.9), marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, military or veteran's status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, updating personal information based on a lawful change of name, social security number, or federal employment authorization document, Employee's receipt of public assistance (such as Medi-Cal), or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements of all Federal, State and local laws prohibiting discrimination. Company policy also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. Discrimination can also include failing to reasonably accommodate religious practices or qualified individuals with disabilities where the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship.

The Company is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in the operations of the Company and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of the Company.

Pay discrimination between employees of the opposite sex or different race or ethnicity performing substantially similar work, as defined by the California Fair Pay Act as amended and federal law, is prohibited.