Shelter Advocate

Overview

The Shelter Advocate provides daily crisis intervention, education, peer counseling, resource and referral, and support services to victims of crime in a trauma-informed care and advocacy-based counseling model at the business office, shelter, and in community locations.  Documentation of services will include developing case plans and completing progress notes. This position will include answering the phones and greeting the public and provides “back-up” and support to Crisis Line monthly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities May Include:

·         Provides direct services to the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault including the assessment of participant needs through individual peer counseling and/or crisis intervention, advocacy and development of case management plans that address immediate and long-term needs, and accompaniment/referrals to community agencies and resources.

·         Provides “back-up” and support to Crisis Line monthly.

·         Answers telephones, directs calls and takes messages.

·         Communicates with participants, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, and disseminate or explain information.

·         Performs various clerical duties as workloads, temporary absences or emergencies dictate.

·         Provides general administrative and clerical support.

·         Ensures casework records are maintained in compliance with grant goals and objectives and Lassen Family Services policies and procedures.

·         Compiles statistical information according to grant compliance standards.

·         Provides public education on issues related to abuse and the services offered at Lassen Family Services.

·         Attends conferences and workshops related to abuse, networks with other service providers and maintains positive relationships with community agencies.

·         Attends and participates in staff meetings.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

·         Ability to prepare and maintain accurate written records.

·         Ability to work within the confines of confidentiality and ensures that professional boundaries are maintained.

·         Ability to establish positive, effective, and cooperative working relationships and use good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness when dealing with other employees and the public.

·         Ability to effectively communicate, understand instructions, and follow directions.

·         Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with changes in priorities and in emergencies.

·         Ability to work independently and productively with minimal supervision.

·         Ability to work as a team member.

·         Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

·         Ability to identify problem areas within the scope of the position and find solutions.

·         Ability to provide peer counseling, crisis intervention, and support services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

·         Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to issues surrounding abuse.

·         Ability to communicate with people from a variety of socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

·         Ability to demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission and values.

Knowledge of:

·         Community organizations that provide social services and support.

·         Administrative and clerical procedures.

·         Participant service principles and practices.

·         Service assessment methods and techniques.

·         Teamwork principles.

·         Individual and group peer counseling principles, methods, and techniques.

·         Trauma-Informed Care.

·         Cultural competency and application.

·         Office equipment including faxes, copiers, computers, printers, etc.

·         Windows based office technologies including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe

Training/Experience/Education: Any combination of training, experience and education which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be completion of Lassen Family Services’, Inc. Crisis Intervention Peer Counseling (CIPC) training.  Preferred one-year experience in working with victims of crime.   Preferred possession of an associate degree in human services, social work, or similar field.

Typical Physical Requirements: (Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements):

Sits for extended periods; frequently stands, walks, stoops, kneels and crouches to pick-up and or move objects, may occasionally lift and/or move objects weighting up to 25 pounds; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; and corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

Typical Working Conditions: Work is performed in a variety of environments including the Shelter, Lassen Family Services business office, and other community organizations. Requires frequent driving to different locations and sites throughout the service area, frequent contact and communication with other staff, the public, shelter participants, and representatives of other agencies. Work hours may be variable and outside the normal 8 am to 5pm workday to meet the requirements of the position. Incumbents are expected to be available on stand-by for crisis intervention responses at any time during specifically assigned time periods.

Special Requirements:

·         Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and insurance with acceptable DMV Record.

·         Acceptable State and FBI criminal background check.

·         Possession of or ability to obtain, CPR certification.

·         Successful completion of Crisis Intervention Peer Counselor (CIPC) training.

EOE

Minimum Education and Experience