Community DV Advocacy Program Shelter House Attendant

Community DV Advocacy Program Shelter House Attendant

Tacoma, WA, USA

Provide security, caregiving, emotional support, transportation, craft making, cooking, and light housekeeping for residents at the Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter. Work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

• Work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Interact with and assist residents in a professional, patient and compassionate manner.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding shelter residents and activities.
• Adhere to Domestic Violence Shelter Protocols, Policies and Procedures.
• Conduct security checks as per protocols.
• Complete daily House Attendant checklist, sign and file in the Checklist Binder.
• Fill Client Services forms on all client contacts and enter information into the database.
• Answer helpline calls, provide crisis intervention, information and referrals.
• Serve as first point of contact with new clients, conduct shelter screening and provide orientation.
• Provide transportation to court, appointments, emergent shopping, support groups and events using department vehicles.
• Assist clients with pets in accordance with shelter pet policy.
• Assist with Digital Safety Planning and secure digital accounts.
• Respond to resident requests for information about resources, services and court systems.
• Maintain clean and safe playroom and playground per local health standards.
• Participate in Tribal and Program Outreach events.
• Assist outreach activities for middle and high school students and families, focusing on dating violence, boundaries, communication, self-esteem, warning signs and healthy relationships.
• Co-facilitate women’s and children’s groups providing age-appropriate activities that promote healing, safety, communication and personal responsibility.
• Serve as listener for residents seeking to resolve interpersonal issues.
• Assist residents, group attendees and youth with crafts.
• Help victims develop a safety plan and address intimidation issues.
• Perform light housekeeping when requested.
• Cook meals for shelter clients during assigned shifts.
• Provide child care during support groups when needed.
• Assist new residents with setting up their rooms and reviewing shelter policy.
• Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings.
• Maintain compliance with State, Federal and Trust Board grant requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Education and Experience

• One-year certification from a college or technical school in the Human Services field is preferred.
• A minimum of a GED or high school diploma required and six months of domestic violence and human trafficking training or support group experience and basic understanding of domestic violence dynamics.
• Combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform essential functions.
• Knowledge of computer applications (Word, Adobe, spreadsheets).

Training

• Must complete SOAR training and be fully SOAR certified within 90 days of hire.
• Must complete 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy 101 training within 6 months of hire.
• Must complete 40-hour Pierce County Sexual Assault Training within 6 months of hire.
• Must complete Group Facility Training.

Language and Communication

• Ability to interact tactfully and positively with Tribal members, clients, staff and management.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Read, comprehend and respond to inquiries, complaints and questions.

Mathematical Skills

• Work with fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions and apply them to practical situations.

Reasoning and Problem-Solving

• Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Interpret technical instructions and deal with multiple variables.

Licenses and Certifications

• Pass criminal background check; no felony convictions.
• Valid Washington state driver’s license and proof of insurance; no restrictions that prevent driving a GSA vehicle.
• First Aid/CPR training and Food Handler’s Permit.

Other Requirements

• Emotionally resilient when working with clients undergoing trauma.
• Knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and human trafficking dynamics, post-traumatic stress, and correct immediate and long-term effects.
• Work effectively with diverse individuals, children and groups.
• Persuasion and problem-solving skills.

• Operate typewriter, PC, multi-line telephone, calculator, fax and photocopier.
• Frequency of sitting, using hands, reaching, talking, hearing, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling.
• Lift and/or move up to 20-40 pounds occasionally.
• Live with all types of pets.
• Close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

• Low to moderate noise level.
• Low to moderate physical exertion.
• Work performed in a residential setting.
• Frequent contact with employees and residents.
• Potential stress due to sensitive or confidential issues.