Shelter Advocate

WHO WE ARE – Since 1903, YWCA Spokane has been helping women and children overcome social, economic, and personal barriers to achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives. We focus on supporting victims of intimate partner domestic violence, promoting early childhood education, and fostering economic advancement of women while confronting racial and social justice issues in our community.

Position:
Shelter Advocate – May 2026

Location:

YWCA Spokane – Main

Hours:

40 per week, Monday‑Friday 11:00 am‑7:00 pm

Compensation:
Base pay $21.77–$26.12 per hour, plus night shift differential $5/hour, bilingual differential $3/hour, depending on experience.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off (available at time of hire)
• Employer‑funded retirement plan & 401(k) options
• Ongoing training and development
• 50% off YMCA Membership
• Flexible spending & dependent care account options

The Shelter Advocate’s primary function is to provide support to survivors of domestic violence in our safe shelter and 24/7 helpline, offering compassionate listening, safety planning, advocacy, intake, crisis intervention, and ongoing emotional support.

• 24‑Hour Helpline – offer compassionate listening; create safety plans; provide resources; conduct screenings; triage callers.
• Direct Services to Shelter Residents
  • Safety planning, domestic violence education, crisis intervention, emotional support.
  • Conduct intake for new residents, complete paperwork, explain expectations, provide tours, support basic needs.
  • Empowerment, regular check‑ins, advocacy throughout stay.
  • Quality assurance checks for service effectiveness.
• Confidentiality and Safety
  • Adhere to confidentiality standards and privileged communication.
  • Connect residents to legal aid, housing, healthcare, community resources.
• Documentation and Compliance
  • Maintain accurate files per YWCA standards and funding agency requirements.
• Shelter Operations Support
  • Ensure supply stock, assist room turnover, maintain cleanliness, complete maintenance checklists, store and distribute donations safely, report hazards, manage inventory.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year direct services with survivors of domestic violence or shelter environment; crisis intervention, safety planning, referral skills; experience with diverse populations; trauma‑informed care a plus.
• Additional Requirements: Driver Policy compliance (21+, valid driver’s license, active insurance; motor vehicle report limits).
• Training: Maintain 20 hours annual ongoing training on domestic violence issues.

• Cultural Humility – commitment to self‑reflection, inclusive engagement.
• Commitment to Equity and Inclusion – create fair conditions, foster belonging.
• Trauma‑Informed Practice – prioritize safety, healing.
• Fostering an Empowering Environment – encourage valued, resourceful atmosphere.
• Professional Conduct – honest, fair, respectful; maintain integrity and trust.
• Adaptability and Resilience – flexibility, solution‑oriented.
• Effective Communication – clear, accurate, active listening.
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking – proactive decision‑making.
• Human‑Centered Approach – compassionate, meaningful service.
• Interpersonal Skills – supportive, empathetic, patient.
• Independent Work Efficiency – self‑efficiency using resources.
• Reliability and Continuous Improvement – dependable, improvement commitment.
• Mission Alignment – understand and support YWCA mission and values.

YWCA Spokane values a diverse workplace and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and foreign‑born residents to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.