Residential Advocate

Join our team at the Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County as a Residential Advocate. In this role, you will provide support, information, advocacy, safety planning, and crisis intervention services to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and their children residing in our 24/7 emergency shelter.

• Provide clients with orientation and assist with intakes as needed for shelter.
• Offer crisis intervention, peer counseling, safety planning, information, and referrals to clients residing in shelter.
• Ensure the shelter operates in an orderly manner and is safe and welcoming for all residents.
• Communicate effectively with other members of the RCC team to ensure the most up-to-date information and appropriate follow-up for clients.
• Assist survivors with arranging for transportation to and from appointments.
• Answer calls received over the hotline.
• Inform clients about domestic violence and community services, making necessary referrals and assist in planning for resources they may need when they move into another program.
• Facilitate house meetings with residents.
• Complete required documentation and enter data into the client database in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintain all records, including service delivery records, advocacy plans, and other documentation per confidentiality guidelines.
• Maintain a daily guest communications log and document changes in policies/procedures.
• Initiate and help plan special shelter events.
• Attend relevant staff meetings, trainings, or agency/community events as directed.
• Assist other staff with direct service responsibilities.

• Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in social services or a related field; work experience must closely align with the essential job functions listed above.
• High School diploma or GED certification.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Commitment to supporting and empowering victims of crime and advocating against violence and sexual violence in our community and society.
• Ability to establish rapport with others and maintain healthy boundaries.
• Ability to present oneself in an appropriately personable and professional manner to clients and staff.
• Ability to weigh and evaluate personal needs, client needs, and the aims and policies of RCCGC, and respond and negotiate these competing needs as appropriate.
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in psychological emergencies and/or crises.
• Polite, compassionate, courteous, and tactful with the public, victims, their families, Law Enforcement, and other agency staff.
• Enhanced level of self-awareness around how he or she relates to others and ability to effectively modify this personal style as conditions warrant.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Knowledge, experience, and demonstration of skill in crisis intervention, hotline and emergency response, victim's rights and available services, domestic violence, sexual violence, law enforcement and court procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with trauma theory and working with survivors of trauma.
• CPR and First Aid Certification.