Residential Domestic Violence Advocate; Part-time

Description

Haven House Domestic Violence Shelter is seeking an energetic, empathetic individual that wants to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of individuals experiencing domestic violence and their children. Join the dedicated team of advocates in Erie County’s only licensed domestic violence shelter.

Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 4:00pm-12:00am

$20/hr.

• Provide coverage for the crisis telephone hotline.
• Provide individual supportive listening/counseling services to adult shelter residents and conduct crisis intervention as needed.
• Conduct group sessions, when needed, to include house meetings, support groups, conflict resolution sessions, etc.
• Retain up-to-date case files and progress notes.
• Maintain necessary records, statistical information, activity sheets, documentation, logs that are pertinent to the position and to the program to ensure the flow of communication.
• Engage in case conferences and case reviews as assigned.
• Attend program meetings regularly and initiate and engage in creative programming to benefit shelter residents or staff.
• Meet the primary needs of residents during an assigned shift (e.g., token distribution, supplies).
• Meet the needs of working in a 24‑hour residential facility (e.g., assist with cleaning, filling supplies).
• Engage in community presentations, if necessary.
• Provide administrative duties (making copies, compiling client intake files, etc.) as needed.
• Provide legal and social services advocacy for shelter residents.
• Remain alert at all times. All shifts are awake shifts. Employee is not permitted to nap or sleep during working hours.
• Remain cognizant about any physical plant emergencies that must be rectified or security breaches that must be reported.
• Model and practice sensitivity, fair treatment and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions.
• Participate and contribute to program quality improvement process.
• Promote the empowerment of all people as defined by the Social Work profession and domestic violence movement, adhering to the principles of trauma‑informed care.
• Perform other related duties deemed necessary by program coordinator.
• Maintain and submit all required documents and comply with all aspects of the vehicle safety and usage policy.
• Utilize agency phone and email systems following standard customer service protocol: answer the telephone in a timely and professional manner, direct calls appropriately, and return phone and email requests promptly. Demonstrate excellent phone etiquette and customer service skills; also demonstrate knowledge of agency programs and services.
• Maintain positive working relationships with program staff and others within the agency; demonstrate strong interpersonal skills during interactions with internal and external customers.

• Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or related field; or associate’s degree with experience required.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and continued automobile insurance.
• Ability to function as a member of a team.
• Work within a busy, fast‑paced office setting.
• Abide by a smoke‑free work environment.
• Work a variety of shifts on a rotating basis to include evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Bi‑lingual skills (English/Spanish) appreciated.
• Prior domestic violence experience or experience working with victims of trauma appreciated.
• CPR or nursing skills appreciated.
• Familiarity with or clinical training in the areas of mental health and substance abuse appreciated.

• Frequently move about inside and outside the office in reaction to situations and duties.
• Frequently communicate accurate information with coworkers, clients and children who will use the agency services.
• Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, printer and phone system.
• Must be able to access multi‑level buildings and travel to sites within the community.

• Must be able to understand the written and spoken word and respond effectively most of the time.
• Must be able to learn and comprehend basic instructions and orientation to the job.
• Must be able to multi‑task frequently.
• Frequently participate and coordinate with others regarding work situations and decisions.
• Frequently interact appropriately and diplomatically with varied stakeholders such as volunteers, staff members, visitors, referral sources, etc.

• Copier, fax, computer, telephone system, company vehicle.

• Multi‑level building; some travel possible.