Weekend Shelter Advocate

Position Summary and Primary Duties: Under the direction and scope of WCET and its funders, provide holistic client-centered and trauma informed care for survivors of sexual assault, including advocating and promoting public awareness.
 

Essential Duties: The following are the duties and responsibilities associated with the position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided, as needed.
 

Program and Direct Services:  

Assist clients with daily needs, including, but not limited to:
• Provide clients with quality client-centered, trauma informed care.
• Conducts screenings and assessments for shelter clients.
• Develop individualized goal plans with participants which identify and address safety concerns, risk factors, and holistic goals.
• Assist and support program participants by referring them to appropriate community resources. Provide individualized referrals and assistance to clients to help clients work toward their goals.
• Provide housing and residential support to all clients including assistance with rent, utilities, legal support, and other residential needs.
• Arrange and/or provide transportation of residents as needed.
• Work with other agency staff to coordinate services and assist clients in meeting personal goals.
• Model healthy and positive relationships within the agency and other community partners to ensure optimal utilization of resources and efficient management of the program.
• Provide effective communication between all clients and agency members.
• Maintain shelter upkeep including room preparation and sanitation.
• Willingness to work supportively with children who reside in shelter.
• Attend and participate in agency staff meetings and other functions as directed by Director of Residential Services.
• Follow WCET programs and processes to support survivors in developing a plan for self-sufficiency.
• Complete required paperwork and data entries within 24 hours to document services provided.
• Comply with standards issued by WCET and its funders.
• Continually improve skills/knowledge related to job duties by attending appropriate workshops, seminars, trainings, and conferences as directed by Director of Residential Services.
• Check work email every workday and provide timely responses.
• Other duties as assigned.
Hotline
• Answer and respond to 24-hour hotline offering safety planning, problem solving, resources, and assistance with client’s immediate needs.
• Utilize active listening skills and quality telephone crisis intervention and complete the necessary documentation.
• Determine shelter eligibility and/or the immediate needs of caller including, but not limited to law enforcement, MHMR, CPS, APS, etc. or other appropriate referral.
• Schedule outreach appointments for the soonest available time. Ensure appointment is scheduled with the appropriate outreach office and advocate, and that the advocate has been notified.
• Arrange and/or provide emergency transportation for eligible callers to access shelter services.
 

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):
• Quality client centered services based upon surveys, observation, and other client feedback.
• Deadlines met and reporting accuracy (e.g. client services entered into database).
• Number of education and training events completed.
• Attendance of WCET approved training and continuing education.
• Goals as determined by the Director of Residential Services.
Qualifications
• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field or combination of social services experience and education.
• Basic knowledge of Family Violence preferred
• Knowledge and experience of working in residential/shelter environment preferred
• Ability to work various shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Active Listening
• Empathy and Compassion
• Knowledge of basic computer skills
• Self-motivated, self-confident, and compassionate
• High moral and ethical standards.
• Ability to complete required training assignments and understand the dynamics of Family Violence and other related issues
 

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:
With reasonable accommodation, must have the ability to:
• Respond to telephones, written correspondence, and other auditory and visual stimulation.
• Remain calm under stress and have the emotional and physical stamina to deal with a variety of stressful situations.
• Frequently sit, stand, bend, kneel, and walk.
• Frequently lift and carry items up to 40 pounds.
• Occasionally climb stairs or inclined surfaces.
Adherence to the Philosophy of Women's Center of East Texas
• Employee must demonstrate knowledge of and performance in accordance with the philosophy of compassion, caring, and respect for the welfare and dignity of others, including clients of agency as well as staff and volunteers.
• Must display a non-judgmental acceptance of all clients/volunteers/staff/co-workers.
• Establish and maintain good rapport in working relationships.
• Display appropriate and consistently positive attitude.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients/volunteers/staff/co-workers.
• Remain composed during stressful situations.
• Always employ strategies of problem-solving utilizing smart, efficient solutions and identify new and improved ways of delivering the highest quality services to agency clients.
• Ask for help and seek guidance when needed.
• Maintain client and agency confidentiality at all times.
 

The above job description reflects the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered a complete listing of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position. Members of leadership may modify, add, or eliminate jobs at any time based on the needs of the organization.