Shelter Advocate - Full Time (Kennebec Shelter

Family Violence Project (FVP) is working to end domestic violence in Kennebec and Somerset counties in Maine. We believe it will take the whole community to accomplish our mission. This includes a strong and committed workforce. If you are seeking a challenging position in a critical field of advocacy and social justice, please consider the following open position:

Family Violence Project seeks an advocate to provide direct services to residents of our Kennebec County emergency domestic violence shelter. The Shelter Advocate is responsible for providing services to shelter residents and their children including guidance, support, information, and advocacy; they will also participate in the admission process for those requesting shelter and will welcome and orient new residents. The Shelter Advocate will meet with residents regularly to conduct needs assessments and assist with the development of goals and action plans.

While working closely with residents, the person in this position will also oversee shelter maintenance and cleanliness, and work with incoming donations. The Shelter Advocate will also establish and maintain working relationships with community institutions that serve children and families, using their knowledge of providers and resources to help residents secure services and support. Maintaining current and accurate records is an integral part of this position, as is the reporting of data as required by the agency and its funders.

This is a full-time, 32-hour per week non-exempt position with a Tuesday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm schedule (which includes a half hour unpaid lunch break) that will include occasional on-call responsibilities in relation to the agency’s 24-hour helpline and may include some evenings and weekends. This position will be based out of our Kennebec County Shelter.

• free health insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Vision, dental and supplemental insurances, as well as health insurance for dependents, are available at cost.
• paid time off (beginning with three weeks of accrued time per year), fourteen paid holidays each year, and a 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match.

The starting pay range for this position is $37,024 annually ($22.25 per hour) to $44,428 annually ($26.70 per hour), based on experience.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit (including prolonged sitting), talk, and listen. The employee is also required to operate a computer using a standard keyboard and mouse; use a fax machine, printer, scanner, and copier; and communicate using a telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

The successful candidate will possess knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on victims, the community, and child development. Knowledge of mental health and/or substance abuse issues is preferred, as is experience with residential services (including basic and routine facility maintenance). The ability to work in a fast-paced, community living environment with a changing resident population is necessary, as is the ability to prioritize work demands to meet client needs and emergencies.

Group facilitation experience is also required. Demonstrated skills and experience in crisis intervention, human relations, and conflict resolution are necessary, as is the ability to handle emergencies in a calm manner and de-escalate situations. The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively as well as independently, and will interact harmoniously with others, communicating respectfully and effectively through excellent listening, oral, and written communication skills.

Computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office, are necessary.

Applicants must be able to pass background checks that include criminal history, driver’s license, sex offender, and child protective services checks, among others. Upon the acceptance of a job offer, a person must…