General responsibilities: As a member of the SDVSAS shelter staff team, the shelter advocate provides trauma informed emotional support and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and their children. Services include crisis intervention, safety planning, resource referral, parenting support, child advocacy, basic legal advocacy, and assistance with housing resources.

Shelter Advocate Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to clients including crisis intervention, advocacy-based counseling, legal and medical advocacy, information and referrals, safety planning, and other supportive services
• Work with other shelter staff to provide a safe, welcoming shelter environment and assure compliance with shelter guidelines
• Conduct phone screenings with potential clients to asses and assist with victim’s immediate safety and basic needs
• Conduct shelter intakes and orientation to shelter facility and complete intake paperwork
• Educate clients about the dynamics of interpersonal violence and assist them in developing individual safety and transition plans
• Assist with acquiring, maintaining, and managing food, clothes and other donated supplies
• Assist with care and maintenance of shelter facility
• Assist with researching and obtaining community resources
• Work with public and private systems to advocate for the best interest of survivors
• Provide coverage of the 24-hour hotline as specified by the staff rotation schedule and respond, when needed, to the shelter, hospitals, court, or Children’s Advocacy Center during those shifts
• Complete paperwork on all client and agency services provided, enter data as required by funders, and compile reports as requested by supervisors
• Complete 12 hours of SA and 30 hours of DV training each year and submit training records
• Assist with and participate in agency events including outreach and educational activities as requested
• Adhere to scope of work and reporting requirements of the specific grants funding the position
• Develop relationships with community partners
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• 2 years of college- level coursework with an emphasis in social services related field or 2 years’ experience in social services or equivalent combination of both
  
  • Commitment to SDVSAS mission and the empowerment model of advocacy
  • Solid verbal and written communication skills
  • Competent computer skills
  • Successful completion of 42 hours of accredited DV/SA training upon hiring
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check
  • Must have a dependable vehicle, valid WA state driver’s license, and proof of insurance
  • Must be willing to follow directions, work independently and collaboratively as a team member
  • Ability to handle the stress of crisis work and respond to many demands simultaneously
  • Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality
  • Sensitivity and knowledge of the issues regarding domestic violence and sexual assault
  • Ability to work with individuals from diverse economic, cultural, and social backgrounds
  • Ability to represent the agency to the public in a positive and professional manner
  • Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with community organizations
  • Must be willing/able to take on-call shifts for the 24-hour hotline as part of the staff rotation
  • Willingness to work some week-end days and evenings
  • Ability to perform light household duties and lift up to 40 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of public and private resources in Skagit County
• Prior experience working with victims of interpersonal violence
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• BA in social services related field

It is our policy and in accordance with our commitment to eliminate discrimination that Skagit DVSAS provide equal employment opportunities and services to whoever seeks them regardless of race, religion, disability, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, income, veteran status, or other identifier.