Residential Domestic Violence Advocate (Part-time)

Haven House Domestic Violence Shelter is seeking an energetic, empathetic individual that wants to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of individuals experiencing domestic violence and their children. Join the dedicated team of advocates in Erie County's only licensed domestic violence shelter.

Shift Information: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 4:00pm-12:00am

Pay rate: $20/hr.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:  

• Provide coverage for the crisis telephone hotline.
• Individual supportive listening/counseling services to adult shelter residents and conduct crisis intervention as needed.
• Conduct group sessions, when needed, to include House Meetings support groups, conflict resolution sessions, etc.
• Retain up-to-date case files and progress notes.
• Maintain necessary records, statistical information, activity sheets, documentation, logs that are pertinent to the position and to the program to ensure the flow of communication.
• Engage in case conferences and case reviews as assigned.
• Attend program meetings regularly and initiate and engage in creative programming to benefit shelter residents or staff.
• Meet the primary needs of residents during an assigned shift (i.e., token distribution, supplies, etc.)
• Meet the needs of working in a 24-hr residential facility (i.e., assist with cleaning, filling supplies, etc.)
• Engage in community presentations, if necessary.
• Provide administrative duties (making copies, compiling client intake files, etc.) as needed.
• Provide legal and social services advocacy for shelter residents.
• Remain alert at all times. All shifts are awake shifts.  Employee is not permitted to nap or sleep at any time during their working hours.
• Remain cognizant about any physical plant emergencies that must be rectified or security breaches that must be reported.
• Models and practices sensitivity, fair treatment and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions.
• Participates and contributes to program Quality Improvement process.
• Promote the empowerment of all people as defined by the Social Work profession and Domestic Violence Movement, adhering to the principles of trauma-informed care
• Perform other related duties deemed necessary by program coordinator.
• Must maintain and submit all of the required documents and comply with all aspects of the Vehicle Safety and Usage Policy.
• Utilize Agency phone and email systems following standard customer services protocol. This includes: answering the telephone in a timely and professional manner, directing calls appropriately and returning phone and email requests promptly. Demonstrate excellent phone etiquette and customer service skills. Also demonstrate knowledge of agency programs and services.
• Maintain positive working relationships with program staff and others within the agency. Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills during interactions with internal and external customers.

 Competitive Pay Rate of $20 per hour based on a 24-hour work week

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or any related field; or associate's degree with experienced required.
• Must have a Valid NYS Driver’s License and continued automobile insurance.
• Be able to function as a member of a team.

• Work within a busy, fast-paced office setting
• Abide by a smoke-free work environment.
• Work a variety of shifts on a rotating basis to include evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) appreciated.
• Prior domestic violence experience or prior experience working with victims of trauma appreciated.
• CPR or nursing skills appreciated.

• Familiarity with or clinical training in the areas of mental health and substance abuse appreciated.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Frequently move about inside and outside the office in reaction to situations and duties.

• Frequently communicate accurate information with coworkers, clients and children who will use the agency services. 

• Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, printer and phone system.

• Must be able to access multi-level buildings and travel to sites within the community.

Essential Mental Requirements:

• Must be able to understand the written and spoken word and respond effectively during the majority of time spent on the job.
• Must be able to learn and comprehend basic instructions and orientation to job.
• Must be able to multi-task on a frequent basis.
• Frequently participate and coordinate with others regarding work situations and decisions.
• Frequently interact appropriately and diplomatically with varied stakeholders such as volunteers, staff members, visitors, referral sources, etc.

Equipment Used:

• Copier, fax, computer, telephone system, company vehicle

Environmental Working Conditions:

• Multi-level building, some travel possible