Client Assistant (As Needed), Domestic and Sexual Violence Program

About The Organization:

Doorways is an Arlington-based non-profit agency helping individuals and families create pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault leading to safe, stable and empowered lives. We envision a community where all people live free of violence and have safe and stable housing regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, abilities, language, or national origin. We see a future without homelessness or domestic and sexual violence.

Doorways began in 1978 when a group of concerned community members saw there was no safe place in Arlington for families in crisis. What began then with one shelter and one response has grown into a series of pathways individually tailored for adults, youth, and children seeking safety and shelter. From immediate crisis intervention to counseling, housing, and employment support, we offer real options and multiple pathways for people of all ages and genders—women, men, youth, and LGBTQIA people.

Position Summary:

The Client Assistant (CA) works with adults and their children who have experienced domestic violence and are living at Doorways’ domestic violence Safehouse or who are homeless and are living at Doorways’ family homeless shelter. This position has primary responsibility for shelter coverage, crisis intervention, and oversight of daily shelter operations. CAs working at the Safehouse also have responsibility to answer calls to our domestic violence/sexual assault hotline. The CA works varied hours on an as needed basis and must have a flexible schedule. This position reports to the respective Program Director for the shelter. There are multiple vacancies for this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Client Services

• Ensure the safety and security of the shelter and shelter residents at all times, ensuring the facility is not left unattended and staff wait until the next shift to arrive before departing
• Perform routine light duty maintenance at the shelter such as disinfecting work and communal spaces as needed, ensure safety surrounding facility during inclement weather by shoveling and/or salting driveway, etc.
• Maintain program and client confidentiality to both current and former clients in accordance with Doorways’ Confidentiality Policy.
• Conduct face to face check-ins with clients and provide any needed follow up as requested by Program Director or client services staff.
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and community resource information to clients as needed.
• Interview clients seeking services and complete new client admissions according to program policies.
• Provide residents with Smartrip cards and gift cards as needed per agency policy.
• Perform program departure procedures with clients.
• Elevate pertinent client and house concerns to the client services staff or Program Director in a timely manner.
• Document and respond to critical incidents.
• Ensure adequate supervision of children by parents.
• Document notable client interactions with staff, volunteers and/or other clients using Daily Log and/or contact notes.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with program residents.
• Reinforce community living guidelines with residents.
• Provide prescription and over-the counter medications to clients.
• Distribute personal care items to clients per protocol.
• Participate with other shelter staff in shift exchange per policy.  Review communication log book and hotline calls at the beginning of each shift.
• Answer and document all telephone calls, including hotline calls.
• Perform routine administrative and maintenance tasks per daily/weekly/monthly checklists.

Agency Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate alignment with Doorways core values and mission.
• In partnership with Doorways staff, assist with Doorways client and community events.
• Attend agency and/or other service provider meetings, as required.
• Maintain current industry knowledge and best practices.
• Obtain CPR/First Aid certification and keep current.
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures.
• Must be located in the DMV area

Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred
• 1 year experience in a social service organization, preferably working in a residential setting with women and children who have been abused and/or are homeless
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) are a plus
• Flexible and a self-starter; able to multi-task while also being willing to “roll up the sleeves” and get tasks done
• Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team
• Must possess basic computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and the internet (Microsoft Suite)

Additional Requirements:

• Completion of a CPS/Criminal Background Check
• Current CPR/First Aid certification preferred 
• Must maintain personal cell phone for work-related purposes.

Compensation:

• $19/hour 
  

COVID-19 Considerations:
Doorways observes the CDC recommendations for COVID-19 precautions.
We have a vaccine mandate for our employees and required weekly testing for unvaccinated employees.

Doorways for Women and Families is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

People of color, women, LGBTQ candidates, and people of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Doorways is committed to a diverse workplace and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.  See www.doorwaysva.org for more info.

Salary : $19 - $0