Advocate

Job Summary

YWCA Greater Cincinnati is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. This position plays a key role in supporting this mission through consistent and compassionate engagement. YWCA Greater Cincinnati is committed to building a diverse workforce and encourages applications from women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to foster an inclusive environment where all individuals feel respected and valued.

• Answers overflow hotline calls during weekdays and all hotline calls on weekends and holidays.
• Provides crisis intervention, safety planning, and information/referral to callers as appropriate.
• Assists in maintaining resource/referral manual.
• Maintains electronic shelter records.
• Takes messages for residents and staff.

• Fosters positive, safe, and trauma‑informed relationships with residents.
• Conducts initial welcoming process for new residents: orientation, tour, and forms.
• Provides emotional support as needed.
• Creates and assists in maintaining shelter and resident electronic records.
• Assists residents in assessing their immediate and short‑term needs.
• Assists residents with parenting support.
• Assists residents in working together to provide a safe, supportive environment.
• Offers crisis counseling, advocacy, and support to residents; communicates follow‑ups with assigned Intervention Coordinator.
• Assists residents with arranging transportation when appropriate.
• Assists with unit turnover process and completes all necessary paperwork.

• Maintains shelter security.
• Completes unit checks while on shift.
• Assists with coverage in welcome center.
• Meets residents’ material needs including hygiene products, food, over‑the‑counter medication, etc.
• Checks facility for cleanliness, safety, and security on a regular basis.
• Submits needed work orders through Limble internal support ticketing system.
• Collaborates with Operations.
• Reports concerns to Lead Advocate.

• Attends monthly team meetings and other meetings as requested by management team.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Lead Advocate and/or management team.
• Adheres to the mission, vision, and core values of YWCA Greater Cincinnati.
• Follows the policies and procedures of the Domestic Violence Shelter.
• Other duties as needed as assigned by Lead Advocate and/or management team.
• Clerical/General Administrative.
• Responds to routine email, phone calls, etc.
• Makes copies, prints documents, etc. as needed.
• Uploads resident documents utilizing program databases.

Interacts with Advocate Manager, Client Services Manager, Director of Shelter Services, Senior Director, team members, residents, volunteers, and other community partners (i.e., schools, shelters, police, hospitals, etc.).

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Passion and desire to support YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
• Flexible, compassionate, strong self‑care practices, emotional maturity, positive attitude, confidence, and an understanding of the dynamics of intimate partner violence/domestic violence.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree.
• A background or completed college courses in social work, psychology, sociology, or human services.
• A minimum of one year experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or intimate partner violence/domestic violence.
• BSW license.

• Political and social sensitivity.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office with expertise in…