Shelter Advocate (Crisis Support)

Summary: The primary purpose of this position is to provide support, crisis intervention, and safety planning to individuals and families staying at the Lewis House emergency shelter or in the community who have experienced domestic abuse and/or sexual assault. This includes work done over the crisis line and/or in person. This position also completes day to day duties in shelter as needed.  Shelter operates and is staffed 24/7. This is a full-time onsite position Sunday - Wednesday 1 pm - 11 pm. 40 hours per week. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance options, life insurance, long-term disability, employer matching retirement account, paid vacation, sick and safe time and flexible holiday hours, Desired qualifications include 1-2 years of related experience working with victims of domestic and/or sexual violence.  Bachelor’s degree preferred, but experience in lieu of degree will be considered. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission statement and core values at all times. The mission statement is “360 Communities delivers safety and stability that improves lives.” 

2. Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, information, referrals, and supportive services as needed to domestic and sexual violence victims/survivors and their family members.  This includes work done in person with shelter residents, walk-ins, or over the phone in calls that come to our crisis line(s).   

3. Provide holistic advocacy services and resources to Lewis House residents and community clients, including safety planning, child/adult education, community connections/resources, housing, financial, legal (excluding legal advice), building support networks, and other services/resources as identified. 

4. Complete follow-up from police reports/calls and forensic exams.  Assist victims/survivors with initial needs, which includes providing emotional support, resources, safety planning, assistance with protective orders, screening for safe housing, etc. 

5. Complete and assist with day to day duties in shelter.  This includes cleaning bedrooms/turnover, putting away food orders, assisting residents with daily chores, general cleaning for health/safety, making copies of needed forms/documents, accepting/sorting/distributing donations, working with volunteers, etc. 

6. Respond to hospital calls at Fairview Ridges and Regina hospitals to provide support to victims/survivors during forensic exams as able or directed during scheduled work times. 

7. Depending on schedule/shift and needs present at Lewis House, Crisis Advocates may do the following: 

                    • Facilitate and participate in group activities at Lewis House.  This may include house meetings and planned family activities.   

                    • Facilitate educational support groups for adults/children utilizing VPI services 

                    • Assist victims/survivors with completing paperwork and applications.  This may include Orders for Protection, Harassment Restraining Orders, Crime Victims Reimbursement, benefit application forms, housing application forms, and more as needed. 

                    • Complete initial intake with new shelter residents.  This includes providing a tour, basic need items, and gathering needed information upon arrival. 

8. Maintain accurate data for statistical purposes as well as narratives for service delivery provisions. 

9. Participate in or offer feedback and/or ideas to various workgroups within the organization to help us continue moving in a forward direction with best practices for staff wellness, client services and other initiatives.   

10. Actively participate and attend staff meetings, including 360 Communities All Staff Meetings, VPI Staff meetings, Shelter Team Meetings, and Reflective Supervision Groups. 

11. Pursue training opportunities for ongoing professional development and to stay up to date on trends related to the work. 

12. Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as the need is apparent or as requested or delegated.

Education and/or Experience   

• 1-2 years of related experience working with victims of domestic and/or sexual violence.  Bachelor’s degree preferred, but experience in lieu of degree will be considered. 

• Bilingual a plus. 

• Completion of 40-hour sexual assault training prior to employment is preferred, but will help obtain if needed (within six months of employment) 

EOE