Shelter Advocate - 2nd shift Job Cleveland area,Ohio USA,Social Work

Shelter Advocate

The Shelter Advocate works to ensure that clients at Journey Center's Emergency Shelter have a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for them to process their experiences and develop skills to a life free from domestic violence. Under the general supervision of shelter leadership, the Shelter Advocate provides support, advocacy, and general oversight of shelter operations and client wellbeing while clients are residing at shelter.

Essential

Job Functions

Providing 24-hour coverage of shelter to ensure clients have access to emergency assistance and supportive services while residing in shelter

Answer the 24/7 helpline, conduct intakes and assessments with potential clients, and/or provide linkage to internal and external services as needed

Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and resources to helpline callers
Maintain accurate documentation of each helpline call
Report known/suspected child abuse and complete necessary documentation

Facilitate intake process for new clients entering shelter and ensure completion of preliminary intake paperwork within 48 hours of arrival to shelter

Prepare all needed items for new clients coming into shelter (scrubs, blankets, sheets, toiletries, infant/child needs, etc.), ensure proper hotbox treatment of all client items and ensure unoccupied bedrooms are clean and ready for new intake

Carry out general operations of the shelter and ensure that services are provided to clients in compliance with the policies, procedures, and requirements of operation set forth by Journey Center and its funders

Provide a supportive environment for clients and listen to clients with a non-judgmental attitude

Respond to any crisis situations that arise during the shift and when necessary, notify the appropriate staff members

Develop and maintain case records in agency database that document services provided to clients in accordance with agency standards and funders

Review and document in Shelter Daily Log during every shift and address pertinent client issues during shift change

Assist with closure of shelter client records in collaboration with shelter leadership

Provide coverage of the advocate office, including answering the business phone number and monitoring individuals entering and exiting shelter

Review safety and risk management planning and participation in information sharing during weekly team meetings

Participate in staff meetings and other meetings as needed

Facilitate/co-facilitate support and/or education groups as assigned

Performs general housekeeping responsibilities, as needed, including sweeping floors, taking out garbage, stocking supplies for residents, washing linens, sorting donations and putting them away

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Respect, understand, and promote Journey Center's mission, vision, values, and goals

Complete agency orientation and training to meet job requirements

Assumes other responsibilities and duties as directed or assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience working in the areas of domestic violence and child abuse

Must have and maintain a valid Ohio driver's license with appropriate insurance coverage;
Must maintain appropriate driving record

Must be available to work extended and non-traditional work hours;
Have the ability to tailor work hours to the needs of families

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

Ability to make sensitive and insightful observations of individuals and to determine a course of intervention

Knowledge and compassion towards working with adults who have experienced domestic violence and/or child abuse

Knowledge of civil and criminal court system, crisis intervention practices, interviewing, community referrals and resources, crime victimization, victim's rights, and advocacy techniques;
Show competent knowledge of agency and services provided

Knowledge regarding domestic violence safety issues

Knowledge of social, emotional, and personal aspects of domestic violence

Sensitivity to working with diverse cultures and language abilities

Computer skills with word processing, database management, e-mail, fax, Windows applications capabilities

Ability to address crisis situations which require prompt decision and action

Working knowledge of community resources available for adult/child victims of domestic violence

Ability to perform job duties with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment

Thorough knowledge of rules, regulations, functions, procedures, organization, and policies governing the operations of Journey Center for Safety and Healing

Ability to analyze problems and develop a plan of action/correction

Ability to organize work, engage in a variety of tasks, and consistently meet deadlines

Demonstrated sound judgment and outstanding interpersonal skills

Good written and verbal communication

Commitment to child abuse and domestic violence prevention

Experience in and commitment to building and supporting trauma informed organizations

Maintain a positive attitude

Ability to…