Per Diem Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate- Greater New Haven

POSITION SUMMARY: To create an environment that supports individual safety and breaks the cycle of domestic violence by providing services that include crisis intervention/safety planning, prevention programs, and public policy advocacy.

Accountable and responsible for the following responsibilities:

• Complete all intakes and orient new residents and their children to the safe house.  Collaborate with office staff regarding sheltering and transport of new clients.
• Provide emotional support to help adults and children understand feelings and behaviors in response to abuse and specific ways to build self-esteem and more adaptive coping strategies through weekly scheduled appointments.
• Collaborate with outside providers, (i.e. substance abuse, mental health, police department, hospital, etc.) to ensure client’s needs are met.
• Provide transportation for shelter clients, medical needs, shopping, education program, cultural activities, etc.
• Maintain an active presence at the shelter while providing a safe and positive environment. 
• Provide clients with information and referral and resources outside of the domestic violence program.
• Provide support groups as requested by Program Manager.
• Responsible for Hotline coverage.
• Assist client’s in developing safety planning which address client’s particular situations.
• Develop, monitor and update clients service plans to include advocacy, crisis intervention, and referrals to appropriate services. 
• Ensure all documentation is complete by end of shift.
• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of house along with shelter clients.
• Responsible for preparing rooms for intake and discharge.
• Responsible for household, adhering to food inventory schedule and weekly grocery      shopping depending on shift worked.
• Required to remain awake and alert on all shifts.
• Attends training sessions, workshops, seminars as requested by supervisor, or as needed for professional development, or as required for accreditation or licensing.
• Required to use own vehicle on company business or to transport clients.
• Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

BHcare

Caring for our community through all stages of life.

Who We Are

BHcare is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that offers a comprehensive and integrated system of care with wrap-around services for adults, children and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other health-risk behaviors.

We employ a diverse and dedicated group of professionals that create and sustain programs to rebuild and change the lives of those who walk through our doors each day. We are devoted to helping our clients live to their full potential as happy, healthy and active members of our community.

Why BHcare?

Our culture and benefits are designed to promote your well-being and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits to full-time (30 hours per week) employees:

• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, personal and 9 paid holidays)
• Health & Dental insurance
• Medical flexible spending accounts
• Paid family leave
• LTD & Disability coverage
• Life & AD&D
• Supplemental insurance including, Cancer, Accident and Critical Illness
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plans with 4% employer match
• Career advancement opportunities
• Employee referral program

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. In lieu of Bachelor’s degree: Associates degree or college coursework equivalent (2 years) and 2 years work experience in human services; OR high school diploma and minimum of 4 years of experience in human services.
• Substitution of appropriate college training is allowed but subject to funder’s approval,
• Two years Advocacy and/or direct service experience working with survivors of domestic violence in a community-based setting preferred.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the certified domestic violence counselor per CGS 52-146k before providing direct service to clients, followed with six-hour recertification yearly.
• Strong Written Communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of clients.
• Crisis intervention and counseling skills preferred.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft 365. Must be able to navigate through electronic health records system (EHR).
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.  Must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable at a reasonable rate under the Organization’s auto insurance plan.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain BLS certification