Job description
Client Advocate I – Shelter-Based Services
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Hours: 40 Hours Per Week
Hourly Rate: $17 + .50 Bilingual Incentive
Bilingual Preferred
Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday 8am -5pm, Friday’s 9am-6pm
On-site, In-Person, Direct Services, Remote Phone Services
OVERVIEW:
Reports to the Family Violence Shelter & Response Team Program Manager and constitutes a member of the Family Violence Intervention Services Department. Provides trauma informed, client centered, culturally and linguistically appropriate advocacy, case management and supportive services to victims and survivors of domestic violence residing in the emergency shelter. Serves as a Domestic Violence Counselor pursuant to California Evidence Code 1037.1 as well as a Human Trafficking Caseworker pursuant to Evidence Code 1038.2. This position reports to a confidential shelter.
DUTIES:
- Provide immediate in person or over the phone crisis counseling, safety planning, advocacy, access to basic needs, linkage to appropriate referrals to victims and survivors through the 24/7 Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking Hotline.
- Conduct and process intake assessments for shelter placements, provide daily trauma informed, client centered, culturally and linguistically appropriate advocacy and/or peer counseling with shelter residents to ensure a welcoming and safe residential space, provide on-site support, case management, and other needs for shelter residents.
- Assist clients with developing agreed upon goals with a clear understanding on what success will look like for each client, support the client in their progress/regress and help with meeting their goals.
- Develop engaging methods of service delivery for clients and their children, while understanding the sensitivity and trauma informed approach necessary in serving people who have experienced Domestic Violence.
- Provide basic needs, clothing, and other household establishments to shelter residents as requested.
- Conduct light housekeeping and ensure shelter facilities and vehicles are safe and properly maintained.
- Facilitate transportation from safe locations to emergency shelter, medical care, court, therapy, and other necessary appointments.
- Facilitate the application process, assistance, and support for clients in need of public assistance, transitional or permanent housing, as well as any other assistance relating to client case plans.
- Complete and maintain timely case notes, service logs, stats, and other program documentation as required.
- Develop and maintain appropriate relationships and boundaries with clients, colleagues and partnering agencies.
- Participate in community outreach and family violence prevention/awareness activities including speaking engagements, trainings, and groups.
- Maintain lines of communication with supervisor following each shift and for assistance when troubleshooting.
- Support a positive working environment by demonstrating a professional demeanor and collaborative partnership with fellow team members, volunteers, partnering agencies and community members.
- Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and in-service trainings.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
- Requires a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Psychology, Social Sciences, or related field or equivalent experience working in the field of domestic violence.
- Must be sensitive and competent to serve clients from diverse cultures and languages.
- Must possess ability to handle emergency/crisis situations, as well as strong decision making, case management, conflict resolution, leadership and excellent time management skills.
- Must be able to prioritize tasks, organize thoughts and communicate well both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Requires flexibility with schedule as crisis situations may necessitate staff to respond outside of their normal schedule or business hours.
- Must have completed or be willing to complete the required 60-hour domestic violence and human trafficking training within 3 months of hire.
- Must have completed or be willing to complete motivational interviewing, and trauma informed approaches trainings within 3 months of hire.
- Must maintain the confidentiality of the shelter locations as well as information pertaining to clients receiving services.
- Requires ability to collaborate with agency staff and community partners while demonstrating exemplary customer service.
- Must be computer literate with Microsoft Office and the internet.
- Must be familiar with mandatory child abuse reporting requirements.
- Successful background and criminal clearance required and maintained, including but not limited to California Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, Child Abuse Index and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Proof of a valid California Driver’s License, reliable transportation, proof of automobile insurance (listed as covered), pass and maintain driving approval as required by our insurer.
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