Shelter and Housing Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Shelter and Housing Advocate

Reports To : Shelter and Housing Program Manager

FLSA Status : 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• 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 to the Operations team, per YWCA procedures.
• Communicates donation, volunteer or supply requests appropriately.
• Tracks referrals given to clients, and clients’ follow-up on those referrals.
• Provides tangible goods to residents as requested and available. Documents distribution of goods accordingly.
• Actively empowers clients to build strengths, pursue goals, utilize resources, and develop the ability to advocate on their own behalf.
• Ensures that all services adhere to the principles of Advocacy Based Counseling (ABC) and are in accordance with WAC 388-61A, Chapter 70.123 RCW.
• Assists Shelter and Housing Manager in resolving client grievances and crisis intervention.
• Ensures trauma-informed care per the YWCA’s model of such values and practices.
• Compiles information and reports.
• Meets initial and continuing annual training requirements per WAC 388-61A.
• Maintain client files, including all appropriate forms and case notes.
• Makes mandatory reports to Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services or makes report to law enforcement when there is imminent risk of harm that meets a “duty to warn” threshold.
• Completes special projects upon request.
• Upon request, participates in agency or community work teams including committees, task forces, or event planning.
• Actively participates in scheduled staff meetings and scheduled internal training; attends make-up sessions as needed due to absence from required sessions.

This is a general description of the responsibilities of the position and is not inclusive of all job duties; other associated duties may be assigned. Position requires the ability to work independently and, in a team, setting. Work situations are varied and require organization and the ability to prioritize. Other duties may be assigned or change over time as the programs or services warrant.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS :

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environment varies from residential unit to unit. Office environment typical of a shared office space in noise level and accommodations.

BENEFITS :

Medical, Dental, Vision

Long-term disability

Life Insurance

Health reimbursement arrangement

401K non-contributing

Retirement plan (vested after two years)

PTO, 160 hours in year 1-3

60 hours sick leave annually

11 paid holidays annually