Shelter and Advocate

Shelter and Housing Advocate

Job Title: Shelter and Housing Advocate
Reports To: Shelter and Housing Program Manager
Full-time;
Non-Exempt;
Regular
Department: Residential Services
Job Classification: 3 – Direct Service

SUMMARY:
The Shelter and Housing Advocate provides direct, individualized support services and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence via a crisis hotline and to residents in the YWCA’s Support Shelter and Housing Program. This position promotes and models empowerment and trauma-informed care to survivors of domestic violence through engaging in and developing trusting relationships, proactively offering support, and providing relevant services to shelter residents and callers.

This work is done on-site in resident units and at YWCA offices, utilizing a strengths-based and voluntary model of services. Shelter and Housing Advocates support the daily living, health and safety standards, and the overall function of the support shelter in compliance with the relevant policies, procedures, laws, and best practices. This position collaborates with Pierce County Housing Authority and other project partners.

• Ensures safety and confidentiality in all interactions and communications related to shelter and housing residents and crisis line callers. Secures appropriate releases.
• Assists Shelter and Housing Manager in screening potential residents and processing program application paperwork.
• Provides crisis intervention and safety planning for crisis line callers along with Shelter and Housing residents.
• Assists clients to process appropriate application and intake paperwork for Section 8 program, lease and rental forms, and securing of resources for deposits and move-in/out fees.
• Creates a welcoming environment by greeting clients at the door and helping them bring their things to the office for a new intake. Works to meet the needs of all household members during the intake process. Proactively engages in relationship-building and offering support to residents throughout their stay.
• Develops individual service plan for participants; offers case management services to clients, utilizing the YWCA’s philosophy of empowerment.
• Conducts intakes, including phone screening, wait list and intake scheduling procedures, orientation to facilities, unit assignments, and accurate completion of all intake paperwork.
• Refers client to community resources, legal services, support groups, children’s services, and services at other organizations.
• Collects and enters client demographics, information and service data in computer systems in a non-identifying manner consistent with required confidentiality. Logs pertinent information for shift; overlaps pertinent information to oncoming shift.
• Assists clients in establishing and achieving their self-sufficiency goals.
• Models, explains, and ensures compliance with Shelter and Housing rules, policies, and procedures. Adheres to YWCA personnel policies and procedures, shelter and housing protocols, and best practice standards.
• Reviews service plans and performs follow-up to determine quantity and quality of services provided to clients and the status of each case.
• Ensures that the Shelter is neat, clean and in adherence with state and local health standards. Implements pest control protocols as needed for new or existing residents.
• Keeps appropriate documentation of services to clients.
• Regularly contributes to the cleaning and upkeep of Shelter and Housing offices and common areas. May perform light maintenance tasks in Shelter, including but not limited to such things as changing light bulbs or shutting off valves.
• Access related information such as medical, psychological, employment, education, and social history and evaluates the client’s strengths, barriers, and resources.
• Monitors alarms, cameras, and maintain the security of shelter entrances and regularly complete a safety walk through of the shelter facility multiple times per shift.
• Assist clients in applying for financial assistance, food stamps, and low or no-cost health insurance, etc., per the client’s wants and needs.
• Completes and submits applicable maintenance requests…