Overnight Shelter Advocate

Position: Overnight Shelter Advocate (30 hours a week)
Accountability: Reports to Manager of Shelter Services
Hours: Will generally work Thursday, Friday, Saturday,10:30pm-8:30am

Summary/Objective
The Shelter Advocate promotes Anna Marie’s Alliance’s mission and models its values by providing direct services to residents.

Education & Experience Requirements
Must possess or be working toward a four-year degree in the human services field (i.e. Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice) – or – two years of relevant work experience.

Other Requirements
• Demonstrated competency/experience in working with persons who experience chronic and persistent mental illness and/or chemical dependency issues.
• Own or have access to a fully operational vehicle and have a valid driver’s license and current car insurance. 

Essential Functions
Awake overnight advocates respond to resident needs, crisis situations, and phone calls from law enforcement.

1. Provide advocacy and support for women, including assistance with housing, financial management, and employment.
2. Respond to crisis situations on telephone and within the shelter promptly; and provide resource information and referral.
3. Maintain shelter security at all times. Clearly understands the shelter security system.
4. Welcome new residents and assist in identifying their immediate needs during the intake process.
5. Meet with residents and set goals, emphasizing the procurement of housing.
6. Assist women in identifying their strengths and exploring solutions to barriers they face; provide information on local resources and personal skill-building.
7. Communicate information between shifts through logging and shift change activities.
8. Maintain client confidentiality.
9. Follow safety policies.
10. Assist women in identifying and exploring alternatives and solutions to the problems they are facing.
11. Keep accurate records of statistics and provide update to Executive Assistant daily.
12. Assist in household chores.
13. Participate in quarterly check-ins and other meetings.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

 Required Competencies
Leadership:
• Exhibit confidence in self and others; inspire trust and respect
• Effectively influence actions and opinions of others
• Accept feedback from others
• Display passion and optimism 

Knowledge:
• Understand and utilize Trauma-Informed Care when working with victims
• Understand the unique problems encountered by domestic violence victims and assist accordingly
• Respond to victims and their children with appropriate interpersonal communication and intervention skills

Accountability:
• Reliable and on time for shifts
• Establish and maintain clear personal boundaries with clients
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as working as a team member, depending on the task at hand

Communication:
• Demonstrate a willingness to share ideas and perspectives; encourages others to do the same
• Display a nonjudgmental understanding of chemical dependency and mental health issues

Valuing and Leveraging Diversity:
• Treat all people with dignity and respect
• Demonstrate the ability to work with people from diverse racial, cultural, social, economic and LGBTQ backgrounds
• Value diversity and leverage the benefits of different perspectives

Emotional Intelligence:
• Demonstrate abilities of tolerance for ambiguous situations
• Possess strong stress management skills
• Balance feelings with reason, logic, and reality

Work Environment:
• Primarily in an office environment, with occasional, light housekeeping duties

 Physical Demands:
This position requires that candidates sit, stand and walk; occasionally lift up to 30-35 lbs. This position is responsible for doing occasional light housekeeping such as sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, washing dishes, packing, and other housekeeping chores. Use office equipment, including computer and telephone. Must be able to stay awake and alert during all work hours.

Travel:
This position requires occasional travel in the local area. Out of the area and overnight travel is rarely required.