Residential Advocate - 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm Fulltime, Stamford, CT

Job Overview
While maintaining a secure residential environment, the Residential Advocate provides supportive consulting, advocacy, safety planning, and educational services to adults and children who reside in Safe Houses. Hours are fulltime from 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm.

Responsibilities

• Provides support services to Safe House residents as needed.
• Assists with case management for Safe House residents, advocating for housing, financial, safety recommendations, etc.
• Provides clients with information and referrals to resources outside the domestic violence programs, such as health clinics, mental health services, housing information, public transportation, legal resources, immigration referrals, food and clothing, local school information youth services, childcare, job training and employment opportunities.
• Works collaboratively with other DVCC departments to ensure clients’ needs are met.
• Takes initiative to meet clients’ immediate needs, which may require travel to obtain medication, diapers, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.
• Provide information to clients about the Victim Compensation program, connecting the clients to the full-time first shift staff member to complete the application.
• Monitors and documents resident’s compliance with program rules and guidelines, including room cleanliness, daily sign-in and adherence to program processes and procedures.
• Ensures the safety and security of the residents at the Safe House locations.
• Takes initiative to maintain a safe and secure Safe House, including the Safe House property and exterior. This includes paying attention to any hazardous situations and alleviating the hazard. This also includes removing and emptying garbage as necessary.
• Assists in conflict resolution with clients encouraging supportive problem solving and respectful communication.
• Helps with Safe House organization, ensuring donations that arrive during shift are stored appropriately in a timely manner.
• Completes initial screenings, intake documentation, and assesses current client needs for new Safe House residents and new DVCC clients calling the crisis lines.
• Answers hotline and LAP line (crisis lines) and conduct appropriate follow up and referrals.
• Participates in weekly case conferences, staff meetings.
• Coordinates and implements safe house activities, such as holiday programming and children’s programming.
• Completes and maintains documentation according to federal and state guidelines.
• Distribute and collect client survey for each client receiving Safe House services upon departure and/or end of the fiscal year.
• Supports and advocates for individuals of domestic violence for positive outcomes while always supporting the mission and vision of the organization.
• Guided by established procedures, policies and processes related to a safe house environment.
• Maintains service records, completes accurate statistical and narrative reports and submit them in a timely manner.
• The same level of support will be provided to clients located in hotels, as is provided to clients located in the Safe House.
• Maintain Domestic Violence Counselor certification by receiving no less than six (6) hours of training annually, in issues related to working with victims of domestic violence and advocate job enhancement responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in a related discipline.
• Five plus years of experience in the human services field preferred. Background in domestic violence preferred.
• Be a certified Domestic Violence Counselor. Completion of a 20-hour certification training, pursuant to CGS 52-146k is required upon hire.
• Experience providing direct services to crime victim in a crisis intervention, criminal justice or a human services field.
• Familiarity working in a non-profit organization; work with domestic violence population.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources available for clients.
• Excellent crisis intervention and case management skills.
• Strong customer focus with good active listening skills.
• Ability to build relationships and manage challenges.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Ability to work with all levels of people and maintain a professional attitude and relationships.
• Ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality of all information, material and correspondence.
• Excellent level with Word, Excel, Outlook and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated advocacy skills for both client and systems change.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify solutions and approaches to problems.
• Ability to make good judgments and decisions relating to day-to-day activities.
• Demonstrated flexibility, agility, adaptability and ability to multi-task.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $53,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Worked with clients of Domestic Violence

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Human Services Field: 5 years (Preferred)
• Domestic Violence Population : 4 years (Preferred)
• Crisis intervention or Criminal Justice: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Domestic Violence Counselor - will provide training (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $53,000