Title: Youth Development Advocate

Reports To: Youth Development Supervisor

The Women’s Safe House (TWSH) is the oldest and largest provider of emergency services to women and children experiencing domestic violence. We also work with women and families experiencing sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. The Women’s Safe House is a 24-hour facility. We are an active member of the State of Missouri and National Coalitions Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

The Youth Development Advocate is responsible for providing quality, comprehensive support and services to children and youth (residents) residing in TWSH shelter. The Youth Development Advocate assists members of the case management team and parents in meeting the needs of their children and enhancing parent’s role as the primary influence on their children’s overall health, safety and wellbeing. **This position will normally work Monday – Friday during normal business hours. One day per the week, the Advocate will work from approximately 12pm (noon) – 8pm. Occasional weekend and additional evening hours are needed to accommodate the shelter.

Description of Duties:

• Provide predetermined program instruction, respite care and activities to participants of the Youth Development Program; Support and work in conjunction with the Youth Development Supervisor in implementing a structured program for children residing in the shelter.

• Conduct child Orientations and Intakes.

• Document observations and notes on each participant’s progress as needed.

• Facilitate and provide assistance during weekly support groups and collect outcome data as assigned.

• Serve as a primary for ensuring the environment remains emotionally and physically safe; this includes but is not limited to rotating developmentally appropriate toys and activities to meet the needs of the children in the Youth Development Program, routinely sterilizing toys and surfaces, etc.

• Answer the Crisis Intervention Hotline during lunch, meetings, etc., as assigned.

• Assist with chores and general building cleaning including, but not limited to, sterilizing all water coolers during each shift, cleaning and maintaining utility, linen and other closets, and handling the disposal of items left behind by residents already exited from shelter.

• Provide other duties as assigned related to the Shelter and supporting survivors/their dependent children in a trauma-informed manner.

Desired Requirements and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in education, Early Childhood Development, and/or relevant experience is preferred.

• 1-2 years experience providing structured curriculum to youth.

• Preferred experience working with women and children within a domestic violence environment.

• Crisis intervention experience required.

• At times, a flexible schedule is needed to accommodate a 365/24/7 facility. Standard working hours are Monday-Friday. At times, may need to work different shifts to help accommodate the needs of the Shelter. This is an on-call position.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrate the ability to work well with people of various ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Must adhere to TWSH policies, procedures, and standards including, but not limited to, confidentiality assisting victims of crime and similar practices.

• A deep appreciation and understanding of the issues of trauma and domestic violence.

• Willingness and ability to convey warmth, compassion, respect and non judgment to people experiencing domestic violence.

• Must have own reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.

Working and Physical Conditions:

• Advocates work with women and children residing in a domestic violence shelter (confidential location).

• Ability to adhere to safety policies, procedures and practices including, but not limited to wearing rubber sole shoes when lifting and carrying items.

• Able to lift up to 25 pounds.

The Women’s Safe House is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.20 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person