Shelter Advocate

Project Woman of Ohio is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Shelter Advocate to join our team. As a Shelter Advocate, you will provide support and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and their children in our emergency shelter. Your role will involve assisting shelter residents with daily living needs, providing general support and shelter coverage, and documenting services provided to survivors through our survivor records database.

• Provide trauma-informed direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and their children, including support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, parenting support, information, and referrals.
• Assist with the daily living needs of shelter residents, including meal preparation, cleaning, and laundry.
• Provide shelter orientations to survivors upon entry into the shelter and complete intakes within 24 hours of shelter entry.
• Document services provided to survivors through our survivor records database and complete exit surveys with survivors leaving the shelter.
• Facilitate cooperative living, peer support, and resident participation in shelter programming.
• Model and actively promote positive, nurturing interactions between adults and children in the shelter.
• Assist survivors with development and ongoing monitoring of Goal Attainment Plans.
• Communicate shelter expectations and communal living guidelines to residents as outlined in the shelter intake.
• Promptly address difficulties or problems that arise per agency protocol and maintain documentation of discussions.
• Model non-violent conflict resolution and use non-violent forms of guidance.
• In conjunction with the Lead Shelter Advocate, take appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining the safety of all residents.
• Interact sensitively with traumatized populations and handle crisis appropriately.
• Understand and utilize principles of trauma-informed care and the empowerment philosophy of advocacy.
• Provide direct service to survivors on the Crisis Line during times when the Crisis Line is not covered by the administration office.

• A minimum of a two-year degree in a human services-related field or relevant experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in a residential facility setting and working with trauma survivors is strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information is required.