JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Second Shift Advocate Effective Date: 1/31/2022

Department: Advocate Office (AO) Schedule: FT, Tue-Sat, 4-12:00 A.M.

Supervisor: Advocate Office FLSA Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt

About Harmony House

Harmony House provides shelter, advocacy, and education to domestic violence survivors. In addition to our emergency shelter, prevention education, and outreach programs, Harmony House partners with Springfield Police Department and the Greene County Family Justice Center to support domestic violence victims as early as possible in multiple locations. We believe robust, wrap-around support services have the most impact on victims long-term, helping them to break the cycle of domestic violence for themselves and their families.

JOB SUMMARY:

Advocates are responsible for maintaining the Advocate Office (AO) and shelter security. The AO is staffed 24/7 and our Advocates work three main shifts: 1st shift (8 am – 4:30 pm), 2nd shift (4 pm – 12:30 am) and 3rd shift (12 am – 8:30 am)

Duties/Responsibilities:

All Advocates will work closely with other team members to fulfill the following duties:

• Maintaining the security of the shelter at all times; which includes monitoring cameras, viewing security doors to ensure safety of the shelter, viewing cameras at doors and gates to allow access to the shelter, having visitors sign in and out upon entry into the shelter.

• Ensuring that the Advocate Office is staffed at all times and coordinating with other Advocates to do so.

• Answering the phone in the Advocate Office, providing advocacy and assistance to crisis/hotline calls, and providing callers with appropriate referrals and information.

• Assisting in crisis intervention and managing crisis situations with callers and residents.

• Maintaining effective communication between self and the rest of shelter staff, including the maintenance coordinator and case management teams.

• Completing intakes upon client arrival at shelter; familiarizing residents with shelter policies and orienting them to the shelter.

• Assisting clients with developing a safety plan upon admittance to shelter; ensuring the client knows the safety plan before leaving shelter.

• Meeting client needs including handling medication, setting appointments within the facility, meeting hygiene needs, supplying cleaning supplies, resolving client issues and relaying important information to case management.

• Accurately completing required paperwork and data entry work in an organized and timely manner.

• Completing a shelter walk-through before every shift and at the end of the shift, assessing the condition of the shelter; cleanliness, maintenance issues, shelter security or hazards in the shelter; communicating concerns to the appropriate staff and resolving issues throughout the shift.

• Training volunteers and interns in the Advocate Office.

• Cleaning rooms and maintaining room turnover including minor physical labor - making all beds, taking out trash, sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing rooms.

· Must be able to bend, push, pull, and lift 25 lbs.

• Maintaining client safety and confidentiality at all times.

• Attend trainings and accrue at least 40 initial hours of training.

• Required to attend all mandatory staff meetings.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Ability to accurately type data on a computer.

2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with survivors of domestic violence, staff, volunteers and other community organizations.

3. Must be highly organized and detail oriented.

4. Ability to exercise discretion for maintaining confidentiality of staff and resident’s information.

5. Ability to maintain meticulous records for grant audit reviews, and ensure compliance with grant compliance.

6. Must be able to multi-task, prioritize and work independently as well as part of a team.

These skills are so important when working in a high-traffic, crisis setting.

7. Positive attitude and ability to be flexible.

8. Must be able meet the above job description duties with reasonable accommodations.

9. Must have compassion, tolerance, and ability to assist in crisis situations.

Education and Experience:

1. Previous experience working with domestic violence survivors or in human services preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

· None

Physical Requirements:

· Performs bending, squatting, sorting, kneeling, and reaching to ground level and overhead as required for tasks as retrieving files.

· Ability to lift, grasp, carry, push, or pull up to 15 pounds.

· Ability to climb stairs while carrying objects up to 10 pounds in weight.

· Must be able to hold and grip objects.

· May be subject to sitting for long periods of time.

· Visual ability sufficient to operate a computer.

· Hearing ability sufficient to communicate in person and by telephone.

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS:

· Conscientious: carefully and thoroughly does their job, being very particular. Does not neglect any aspect of their job or do things carelessly. Takes pride in work.

· Initiative: self-motivated. Begins actions without having to be told to do so.

· Organized: arranges environment in a systematic manner to achieve objectives.

· Stress Handler: able to handle mental tensions, pressures, urgencies and important situations. Able to handle more than one important and urgent thing at a time.

· Verbal/Nonverbal Communication: expresses self in a positive manner and interchanges thoughts, information and feelings orally. Is considerate, courteous, respective, and well-mannered.

· Agreeableness: has a great deal of interest in other people, feels empathy and concern for other people, enjoys helping and contributing to the happiness of other people, assists others who are in need of help.

Other:

1. MUST have a valid MO driver’s license, dependable vehicle, and a minimum acceptable motor vehicle liability insurance limit to maintain s at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. Harmony House does NOT provide insurance coverage for the employee’s liability while using personal autos on agency business.

2. MUST pass a criminal background check.

3. MUST pass a 5 panel drug test.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $17.55 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Springfield, MO 65804: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person