Shelter & Housing Advocate

Job Description

Job Title: Shelter and Housing Advocate

Reports To: Shelter and Housing Program Manager

FLSA Status: Full-time; Non-Exempt; Regular

Department: Residential Services

Job Classification: 3 – Direct Service

SUMMARY:

The Shelter and Housing Advocate provides direct, individualized support services and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence via a crisis hotline and to residents in the YWCA’s Support Shelter and Housing Program. This position promotes and models empowerment and trauma-informed care to survivors of domestic violence through engaging in and developing trusting relationships, proactively offering support, and providing relevant services to shelter residents and callers. This work is done on-site in resident units and at YWCA offices, using a strengths-based, voluntary service model. Shelter and Housing Advocates support the daily living, health, and safety standards, and the overall functioning of the support shelter, in compliance with relevant policies, procedures, laws, and best practices. This position collaborates with Pierce County Housing Authority and other project partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures safety and confidentiality in all interactions and communications related to shelter and housing residents and crisis line callers. Secures appropriate releases.
• Assists Shelter and Housing Manager in screening potential residents and processing program application paperwork.
• Provides crisis intervention and safety planning to crisis line callers and Shelter and Housing residents.
• Assists clients in processing appropriate applications and intake paperwork for the Section 8 program, lease and rental forms, and securing resources for deposits and move-in/out fees.
• Creates a welcoming environment by greeting clients at the door and helping them bring their things to the office for a new intake. Works to meet the needs of all household members during the intake process. Proactively engages in relationship-building and offering support to residents throughout their stay.
• Develops individual service plans for participants; offers case management services to clients, utilizing the YWCA’s philosophy of empowerment.
• Conducts intakes, including phone screening, wait list, and intake scheduling procedures, orientation to facilities, unit assignments, and accurate completion of all intake paperwork.
• Refers client to community resources, legal services, support groups, children’s services, and services at other organizations.
• Collects and enters client demographics, information, and service data in computer systems in a non-identifying manner consistent with required confidentiality. Logs pertinent information for the shift; overlaps pertinent information to the oncoming shift.
• Assists clients in establishing and achieving their self-sufficiency goals.
• Models, explains, and ensures compliance with Shelter and Housing rules, policies, and procedures. Adheres to YWCA personnel policies and procedures, shelter and housing protocols, and best practice standards.
• Reviews service plans and performs follow-up to determine the quantity and quality of services provided to clients and the status of each case.
• Ensures that the Shelter is neat, clean, and in adherence with state and local health standards. Implements pest control protocols as needed for new or existing residents.
• Keeps appropriate documentation of services to clients.
• Regularly contributes to the cleaning and upkeep of Shelter and Housing offices and common areas. May perform light maintenance tasks in Shelter, including, but not limited to, changing light bulbs or shutting off valves.
• Access relevant information, such as medical, psychological, employment, educational, and social history, and evaluate the client’s strengths, barriers, and resources.
• Monitors alarms and cameras, maintains security at shelter entrances, and regularly completes a safety walk-through of the shelter facility multiple times per shift.
• Assist clients in applying for financial assistance, food stamps, and low or no-cost health insurance, etc., per the client’s wants and needs.
• Completes and submits applicable maintenance requests to the Operations team in accordance with YWCA procedures.
• Communicates donation, volunteer, or supply requests appropriately.
• Tracks referrals given to clients and clients’ follow-up on those referrals.
• Provides tangible goods to residents upon request and availability. Documents the distribution of goods accordingly.
• Actively empowers clients to build strengths, pursue goals, utilize resources, and develop the ability to advocate for themselves.
• Ensures that all services adhere to the principles of Advocacy-Based Counseling (ABC) and are in accordance with WAC 388-61A, Chapter 70.123 RCW.
• Assists Shelter and Housing Manager in resolving client grievances and crisis intervention.
• Ensures trauma-informed care in accordance with the YWCA’s model of these values and practices.
• Compiles information and reports.
• Meets initial and continuing annual training requirements per WAC 388-61A.
• Maintain client files, including all appropriate forms and case notes.
• Makes mandatory reports to Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services or makes a report to law enforcement when there is imminent risk of harm that meets a “duty to warn” threshold.
• Completes special projects upon request.
• Upon request, participates in agency or community work teams, including committees, task forces, or event planning.
• Actively participates in scheduled staff meetings and scheduled internal training; attends make-up sessions as needed due to absence from required sessions.

This is a general description of the position's responsibilities and is not inclusive of all job duties; other associated duties may be assigned. Position requires the ability to work independently and in a team setting. Work situations are varied and require organization and the ability to prioritize. Other duties may be assigned or change over time as the programs or services warrant.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Commitment to YWCA vision, mission, and values.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with many distractions.
• Ability to adapt to different situations easily and without conflict.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to manage several cases at once.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute percents, compile statistics, and track demographic information.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of clients or employees of organization.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to understand and apply policies, procedures, and safety measures, in accordance with applicable Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) standards; RCW 70.123, WAC 388-61A.
• Ability to apply broad concepts appropriately and consistently to varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in social work or related field, or one to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and related experience in advocacy, case management, or social setting, including experience working with survivors of trauma.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Acceptable criminal history record.
• Completion of required new employee training and onboarding within the first 90 days of employment.
• CPR and First Aid Certification preferred.
• Must have ability to transport self within Pierce County. If that includes driving your own vehicle, then you must possess current and valid driver's license and insurance.
• Preference given to candidates that have bilingual fluency in Spanish/English.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The environment varies from residential unit to unit. The office environment is typical of a shared office space in terms of noise level and accommodations.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for pregnant people and individuals with disabilities, including in the application process. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please send an email with the subject line “Reasonable Accommodation Request” to bbaker@ywcapiercecounty.org

Commitment to Inclusive Hiring

Research indicates that members of marginalized communities tend to underestimate their qualifications and apply only when they meet all the criteria in a job posting. If you are excited about this opportunity but are unsure if your past experience aligns with the job description, we encourage you to apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to review your application and consider how your talents and experience can add value to this role.

YWCA of Pierce County is an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion or belief, gender, pregnancy, national origin, height and weight, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, physical characteristics such as height and weight, or any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. YWCA of Pierce County recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

Medical, Dental, Vision

Long-term disability

Life Insurance

Health reimbursement arrangement

401K non-contributing

Retirement plan (vested after two years)

PTO, 160 hours in year 1-3

60 hours sick leave annually

11 paid holidays annually

Must read, write, and speak English fluently. Other language skills are a plus.