Residential Advocate - Camden County (5388)

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Location: Camden County, NJ

Job Type/Status: Full Time

Salary Range: $21.00 per hour

Position Summary 

The Residential Advocate supports survivors of domestic violence in a shelter setting by providing trauma-informed, client-centered advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and daily support. This role maintains a safe, supportive, and structured environment while empowering residents to work toward stability and healing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Support & Advocacy
- Welcome new residents, complete intake assessments, and review shelter rules and safety
procedures.
- Provide emotional support, active listening, and crisis counseling in a non-judgmental
manner.
- Assist residents with safety planning, goal setting, and referrals to community resources.
- Advocate with housing providers, legal services, public benefits offices, and medical
professionals as needed.

Shelter Operations
- Monitor and ensure the physical and emotional safety of residents at all times.
- Maintain cleanliness and order in common areas and support residents in maintaining
their living space.
- Assist with coordinating daily living needs (meals, supplies, transportation, curfew
adherence, etc.).
- Address and document resident concerns, incidents, or conflicts per agency protocols.

Documentation & Communication
- Accurately document services provided and resident interactions in a timely manner.
- Communicate effectively with other staff during shift changes and in team meetings.
- Uphold strict confidentiality and compliance with organizational policies and funder
requirements.

Other Duties
- Participate in staff training, supervision, and case reviews.
- Support house meetings and resident workshops.
- Assist with facility-related tasks such as donation organization, supply inventory, and
safety checks.

Qualifications

Required 

- High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
- 1-2 years of experience in social services, shelter work, or advocacy roles.
- Understanding of domestic violence dynamics, trauma-informed care, and cultural competency.
- Ability to manage crises and set appropriate boundaries in a residential environment.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and de-escalation skills.

Preferred

- Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish, Haitian Creole, etc.).
- Familiarity with local community resources.
- Experience working with diverse populations including LGBTQ , immigrants, or people with disabilities.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

- Shelter environment that may require working evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or
overnight shifts.
- Ability to respond to emotional situations with empathy and calmness.
- Physical ability to walk through the facility, climb stairs, and occasionally lift up to 25
lbs.

Benefits:

At the Center for Family Services our employees are our greatest resource and we are committed to investing in our staff. We offer a competitive benefits package as well as ongoing resources that will support staff on their personal and professional journey.*

• Excellent paid time off (PTO) program, including vacation, sick, personal, and holiday;
• 401k Plan;
• Medical insurance plan options;
• Dental & Vision Insurance;
• Prescription Insurance;
• Life Insurance;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Health & Wellness Activities;
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development Opportunities;
• Opportunity for advancement.

About Employment at Center For Family Services Apply and get hired at Center For Family Services, a leader in the non-profit sector and named as a top workplace in the region since 2010. As part of our team, you will be recognized as our most valuable resource. Our staff balance best practices with personalized care. Together our team makes a positive difference in the lives of people in need. If you're interested in a rewarding career, Center For Family Services is a great place to grow as a professional. For more information about our top workplace, please visit Center For Family Services website at www.centerffs.org.

Disclaimer All positions require pre-employment drug screening and criminal record checks. Many positions require motor vehicle record evaluations and medical clearances. Center For Family Services is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.