Shelter Community Advocate

About the Role

We are seeking a Shelter Community Advocate to join our team at My Sister's Place. Reporting to the Shelter Program Manager, the Shelter Community Advocate will play a vital role in providing comprehensive support to survivors of domestic violence and their children.

In this role, you will serve as a frontline advocate, offering intensive case management services to residents of the shelter. Your primary objective will be to empower survivors as they navigate their journey towards safety, stability, and independence. You will work closely with residents to develop personalized service plans, safety plans, and financial budgets, ensuring that each individual's unique strengths and needs are addressed. Collaboration with external service providers and stakeholders will be crucial in facilitating access to social, environmental, medical, and emotional support services.

This position requires a commitment to being present at the shelter at least 3-4 days per week.

About My Sister’s Place

My Sister's Place (MSP) is a dedicated community of professionals, volunteers, and advocates committed to ending domestic violence. Established in 1979, MSP has been a cornerstone of Washington, D.C.'s response to this critical public health issue, offering a continuum of care from emergency shelter to transitional-to-permanent housing solutions. Our experienced team provides survivors with clinical counseling, case management, and comprehensive services aimed at empowering them to recover and thrive. Additionally, MSP engages in training, case consultation, and advocacy efforts to prevent violence and abuse within communities.

What You’ll Be Doing

Case Management

• Provide intensive case management services to domestic violence survivors and their children residing in the shelter, with at least four in-person sessions per month, supplemented by additional communication via email, text, or phone.
• Collaborate closely with residents to develop and review individualized housing plans, safety plans, and financial budgets.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with external partners and stakeholders, including landlords, to support clients' housing needs.
• Assist residents in accessing housing, mental health services, employment opportunities, financial assistance, and other necessary resources.
• Identify and address the diverse strengths and needs of survivors, making appropriate referrals to social, environmental, medical, and emotional support services.
• Provide crisis intervention and support to resolve immediate issues.

Data and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of case activities, including electronic case management data entry.
• Facilitate or assist in workshops on topics such as financial literacy, housing opportunities, and other relevant subjects, as needed.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in case management
• Two or more years of experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma
• In-depth knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence
• Familiarity with social services resources and processes in Washington, D.C.
• Bonus points for holding a valid District of Columbia social work license or professional counselor license
• Bonus points for being bilingual

What We're Looking For

At MSP, we are committed to our core values, which guide our every action and decision. We’re hiring someone who shares our dedication to these values and embodies them in their work:

• Demonstrate Professionalism, Integrity, and Excellence: You approach your role with the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct. You should consistently uphold integrity, demonstrate excellence in your work, and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
• Support Wellness and Self-care: You understand the importance of self-care and wellness, both for yourself and for the clients we serve. You should promote and model self-care practices and encourage clients to prioritize their well-being.
• Provide Person-centered and Trauma-informed Services: We value a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to service delivery. The right candidate should be skilled in empathetic and client-focused interactions, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each individual.
• Foster an Environment of Trust, Transparency, and Respect: Building trust and maintaining transparency and respect in all interactions is paramount to our organization. We are looking for someone who can create a safe and respectful environment for clients and colleagues alike.
• Deliver Services Intentionally and Passionately: We seek someone who is passionate about helping others and who approaches their role with intentionality. You should be dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.

My Sister's Place is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.