Relief Shelter Advocate

WHO WE ARE

Since 1903, YWCA Spokane has been helping women and children overcome social, economic, and personal barriers to accomplish their goals and achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives. Today, we focus on supporting victims of intimate‑partner domestic violence, promoting early childhood education, and fostering the economic advancement of women. We provide free, confidential, and trauma‑informed programs and services to approximately 14,000 people in and around Spokane, while confronting racial and social justice issues impacting our clients and community.

Relief Shelter Advocate

Location:

YWCA Spokane - Main

Employment type:

Full‑Time / Part‑Time PRN (Non‑Exempt)

Hours:

As needed (24/7 facility)

Base Pay Range: $21.77–$26.12 per hour, depending on experience

• Night Shift Differential – $5 per hour for all applicable night‑shift hours worked
• Bilingual Pay Differential – $3 per hour pay premium for employees who use a qualifying second language

Other benefits:
Employee Assistance Program, Ongoing training and development, 50% off YMCA membership (eligibility depends on employment status).

• 24‑Hour Helpline
  • Offer compassionate, non‑judgmental listening and respect survivors’ experiences
  • Collaborate to create personalized safety plans
  • Provide resources, conduct screenings into shelter, and offer advocacy support, including LAP support during high‑demand periods
  • Triage and refer eligible crisis‑line callers for Coordinated Entry assessment with housing programs
• Direct Services to Shelter Residents
  • Provide ongoing safety planning, domestic‑violence education, crisis intervention, and emotional support
  • Conduct intake for new shelter residents
    • Complete intake paperwork and explain shelter expectations in a trauma‑informed manner
    • Provide shelter tours for survivors and dependents, answer inquiries, and ensure they feel safe and supported
    • Support residents’ basic needs (medical aid, bedding, clothing, hygiene items, food) with a focus on comfort and safety
  • Foster an atmosphere of empowerment, safety, and dignity; check in regularly with residents and offer support as needed
  • Provide ongoing advocacy and emotional support throughout a resident’s stay, assessing changing needs
  • Support quality‑assurance checks to evaluate service effectiveness and adjust as needed
• Confidentiality and Safety
  • Adhere to confidentiality standards and ensure privileged communication with residents
  • Support residents’ safety planning and connect them with legal aid, housing, healthcare, and community resources
• Documentation and Compliance
  • Maintain detailed and accurate resident files per YWCA standards and funding agency requirements
  • Ensure documentation is thorough, complete, and up‑to‑date, especially given the sensitivity of the information
• Shelter Operations Support
  • Maintain appropriate stock levels of essential supplies
  • Assist with room turnover and ensure belongings are safely packed
  • Perform light cleaning of communal spaces during less busy times
  • Sign off on nightly shelter maintenance checklist when working overnight
  • Assist with other maintenance or programmatic needs as necessary
  • Sort and store donations fairly; dispose of expired or damaged items; report hazardous or unsafe situations to management

• Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in the domestic‑violence field preferred
• Must meet YWCA Spokane’s Driver Policy (valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, satisfactory driving record)
• Maintain 20 hours of ongoing training on domestic‑violence issues annually
• Work a minimum of 24 hours per quarter to maintain relief status (Q1: Jan–Mar; Q2: Apr–Jun; Q3: Jul–Sep; Q4: Oct–Dec)
• Attend at least 50% of quarterly relief staff meetings; may not miss more than one consecutive meeting

• Cultural Humility – Commit to self‑reflection, learning, and respectful engagement with diverse perspectives
• Commitment to Equity and Inclusion – Create fair conditions for all and address systemic inequities
• Trauma‑Informed Practice – Prioritize safety, recognize trauma impact, and avoid re‑traumatization
• F…