Transitional Services Advocate

JOB HIGHLIGHTS: When joining the emergency residential shelter team at My Sisters’ Place (MSP), you will be part of a dynamic and diverse group of passionate counselors and advocates committed to transforming the world. You will work to further MSP’s mission in accordance with our guiding principles in a leadership role that addresses the complex safety and support needs of survivors of domestic violence (DV) and human trafficking (HT).

MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS: Domestic Violence residential services; Transitional Services and Housing Advocacy; Case Management; Emotional Support; Crisis Intervention; Hotline support

LOCATION: This role is mobile, which requires the staff member to work at multiple MSP sites including MSP’s offices and shelter, a confidential location in Westchester County, NY.

JOB OVERVIEW: The Transitional Services Advocate works to further MSP’s mission, in accordance with our “guiding principles” in a key role as part of the residential program. The Transitional Services Advocate provides critical supportive services in a way that is compassionate and adheres’ to culturally appropriate best practices and agency expectations. The Transitional Services Advocate should be compassionate, responsive, resourceful, have sound critical thinking and problem solving skills. Ensure that each client is supported; by assessing individual needs, helping to create short and long-term goals through creation of each resident’s Goal and Action Plan (GAP), and that each client has access to relevant resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDES: Under the guidance of the Associate Director of Housing and Transitional Services, the Transitional Services Advocate will:

• Provide case management related to housing advocacy, emotional support, and crisis intervention to residential and non-residential clients as needed
• Collaborate with Shelter Leadership Team to assist residents in shelter on transitioning in and out of the shelter and liaise with MSP staff in non-residential programs to support clients with housing and transitional needs
• Assist clients with completing CHAT assessments to identify and find suitable permanent housing
• Visit and inspect housing units/apartments for potential client placement
• Provide cross-program support in high-risk domestic violence cases, as directed by supervisor
• Keep thorough and up-to-date client records in accordance with agency file requirements
• Provide assistance with MSP’s 24-hour hotline when needed
• Participate in regular supervision with Associate Director of Housing and Transitional Services to promote the provision of quality services. Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, trainings and other professional development opportunities.
• Assist the Associate Director of Housing and Transitional Services in other duties and tasks as directed.

YOU MUST HAVE:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred: two years college, plus two years’ experience a plus
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Knowledge of victimization and domestic violence preferred
• Prior transitional services and housing advocacy experience a plus
• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and on a team
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Job requires lifting typical office materials from time to time, lifting and carrying food items, bending and lifting items to put them away, and may include accepting and transporting in-kind donations
• If using personal vehicle, must have valid driver’s license and appropriate vehicle insurance

MSP BELIEVES:

In advocating for social justice, adopting an anti-oppression lens to understand gender-based violence. We recognize that clients come to MSP while navigating different structural and social injustices that affect their experiences of survivorship. We also understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment to developing the language and tools we need to undo institutional oppression.

We are flexible and work well as part of a team and independently. We believe in excellent time-management skills and demonstrating the ability to multi-task. We are accountable to doing what we say we are going to do.

TEAM OVERVIEW: MSP’s Residential Services team consists of a Director of Residential Services, Associate Director of Residential Services, Senior Residential Advocates, Transitional Coordinator, Residential Advocates, a Residential Counselor, a Coordinator of Case Management and per diem staff. All residential services staff work in MSP’s Emergency Shelter, a confidential site in Westchester County, NY.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: At MSP, we strongly believe that integrating a world-changing approach into all areas of our work is essential to ending domestic violence and human trafficking. Our dynamic and diverse team of compassionate advocates is working to create a world in which every individual has the basic human right to be free to gender-based violence and to engage in relationships that embrace the principle of respect, equality, and safety.

Job classification: Regular/Part-time/Flexible/Non-Exempt

Salary: $57,000

Application instructions: NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements via e-mail to LaMarr Powell, Director of Residential Services at lpowell@mspny.org

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MSP values you, your growth, and your contributions. My Sisters’ Place believes that an effective, broad-based movement for social transformation must be rooted in anti-oppression principles as we work towards a more just and equitable society. People of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA Community are encouraged to apply. MSP policy prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of service.