Shelter Advocate Position Description:

Shifts Available:

• Swing : 4PM to Midnight (Shift differential $0.25)
• Grave: Midnight to 08:00 AM (Shift differential $0.50 on top of hourly rate.)

PREVAIL (formerly Women’s Center – Youth & Family Services) is pioneering restoration and elevating voices of advocacy, idealism, and leadership for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and the aftermath of such victimizations, including youth homelessness and human trafficking/sexual exploitation. For more than five decades, PREVAIL has been providing safety, compassion, and respect as we educate, empower and advocate for individuals, families, and young people.

Our vision is to create opportunities for hope, healing, and growth by breaking intergenerational cycles of violence and abuse. Join our team and be part of building a safer community.

Position Description:

The Program Specialist provides intervention services to support the healing of families, individuals, and children that have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and the aftermath of such victimizations, including human trafficking and youth homelessness. These services may include but are not limited to crisis intervention; support services, including peer counseling, educational classes, support groups, and case management; and after-care services. Program Specialists work directly with Program Managers or Coordinators to ensure effective interventions for client cases and/or to address obstacles and barriers clients may be facing. Program Specialists may focus on one area of responsibility, based on community and program needs and contract/funding source requirements.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Direct Services – Provide quality, trauma-informed advocacy to support the following client needs:

• Crisis/Advocacy: Services may include crisis intervention via incoming 24-hour helpline calls or walk-ins to the business office; assistance with temporary restraining orders, accompanying clients to access other community resources, court accompaniment, etc.
• Peer counseling: Services include psychoeducation and intervention in a one-to-one setting, to meet client needs; services may occur in-person, via telephone or teleconferencing; etc.
• Group/Class Facilitation: Services include psychoeducation and intervention in a group setting to meet client needs; service delivery varies depending upon both client and program/contract needs.
• Shelter: Role model day-to-day living skills including, but not limited to, meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping, and other appropriate habits; provide supervision to clients in the shelter; ensure appropriate shelter conditions including, but not limited to, cleanliness and supplies; ensure appropriate implementation of shelter procedures and/or any licensing regulations. Participated in staff rotation of backup shift coverages.
• Case Management: Services include the development and accomplishments of goals to sustain individual and family needs; may include linking client to peer counseling, groups and/or educational instruction, and other community resources to address housing, food insecurity, employment and/or finances, etc.
• Community Engagement: Represent the agency at internal and external events including, but not limited to, program partnerships, funder/contract reporting meetings, multi-disciplinary team meetings, etc.; may provide educational presentations to a variety of community-based organizations and/or partners.
• Gateway: Services include approaches to support clients in accessing their basic needs, such as access to showers, laundry, hygiene, clothing items, and meals. Prepare meals, enter data related to services received, and maintain a clean environment. Supervise client interaction and use conflict resolution and de-escalation skills as necessary to maintain a healthy and neutral environment. Interact with youth and encourage engagement in services that could be beneficial. Connect clients to services within PREVAIL and outside

Position Description

resources as appropriate.

Administrative

• Executes comprehensive and detailed documentation, and performs other administrative tasks, as necessary, to support both program operations and role responsibilities.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must support PREVAIL’s mission and be dedicated to eliminating domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and youth homelessness, in addition to supporting the fundamental values of both feminism and the social work profession, including the worth, dignity, and uniqueness of all persons as well as their rights and opportunities.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and awareness of and sensitivity to the cultures represented in San Joaquin County.
• Ability to productively work both autonomously and as a team member.
• Complex Problem Solving identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and, at times, stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with key stakeholders, including but not limited to government partners, community and individual supporters, executive leadership, and the Board of Directors.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associate degree in a related field preferred.
• At least one year of related experience preferred.
• Fingerprint clearance is required.
• Reliable transportation, valid California Driver’s License, and proof of insurance.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at times.
• Must be able to ascend and descend up to three flights of stairs throughout a typical workday.

About Employer:

PREVAIL is an equal opportunity employer and hires and promotes employees regardless of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law. PREVAIL strives to be culturally competent, responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, and religions in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the cultural differences and similarities and the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each person.

Additionally, PREVAIL is an at‐will employer. Employees, as well as the agency itself, are free to terminate employment status at any time, with or without reason. Although PREVAIL may choose to terminate employment for cause, cause is not required.

PREVAIL is a highly established nonprofit organization funded by a variety of federal, state, and local government agencies, foundation grants and individual supporters. The continuation of programs, and therefore employment positions, may be contingent upon continued receipt of these or alternative funding sources.

Position Summary:

Title: Program Specialist

Status: Full‐Time/ Non-Exempt

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Range: $18.70-$23.38

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.70 - $23.38 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• On call
• Overnight shift
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• shelter: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person