Shelter Monitor/Victim Advocate

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Program Director of Family Services Department. The Shelter Monitor/DV Advocate is responsible for monitoring the shelter residents and ensuring safety and compliance with shelter rules; will be responsible for overseeing the shelter unit and maintaining the upkeep. In addition, Shelter Monitor/DV Advocate will provide case management to the survivors and their dependents while at the shelter unit.

Essential Duties:

• Provide a welcoming environment for survivors and their dependents who are victims of domestic violence, family violence, dating violence and sexual assault.
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  Responsible for providing a safe, structured environment that meets the needs of the survivors and their dependents while maintaining professional and acceptable boundaries at all times.
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  Maintain positive and professional relationships with survivors and their dependents, and management staff.
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  Maintain a comprehensive and accurate written record of events that occur during shifts, as well as thorough incident reports such as serious incidences completely, accurately and in a timely manner.
• Consult with Program coordinator regarding survivor’s personal needs and behavior.
• Assist survivors and their dependents within limits in processing issues and problem-solving issues.
• Utilize positive behavioral management techniques including verbal redirection with survivors and their dependents.
• Monitor survivors and their dependent(s) shelter stay and ensure residents adhere to rules especially related to behaviors that are unsafe during their stay by addressing procedural violations with them to ensure a clear understanding of expectations and to assist them with achieving compliance.
• Monitor all areas of the shelter to ensure compliance with facility rules, policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Respond to survivors and their dependents requests, complaints and inquiries and consult with Program Coordinator at all times.
• Conduct orientation/assist with intake, accommodate the survivors and their dependents by providing necessary items such as linens/personal supplies and other items to survivors and their dependents entering into the shelter.
• Conduct regular room inspections and belongings before re-entering the shelters and documenting in client records.
• Identify and respond to survivor(s) and their dependent(s) who is experiencing a problem or crisis to ensure that they are safe and that other service providers are aware of the situation and able to respond with appropriate services.
• Provide domestic violence preventive educational materials and sessions at the site for survivors and their dependents.
• Provide case management services and transportation for survivors and their dependents for medical/school appointments, etc., and other related appointments.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with survivors and their dependents at all times.
• Maintain “confidentiality” of shelter residents and families placed at the shelter.
• Maintain the upkeep of the shelter homes.
• Maintain an inventory log of shelter supplies, equipment and supplies for the “empowerment” programming.
• Report unauthorized individuals or suspicious activity near the shelter home to the proper authorities.
• Demonstrate motivation and innovation in performing duties
• Participate in ongoing professional development (i.e. trainings, workshops, certification, etc.)
• Facilitate group presentations with tribal staff, community and tribal leadership.
• attend staff meetings, case coordination meetings and other meeting pertaining to duties as an advocate.
• Perform other duties as directed and assigned by the Coordinator and Director.

Additional Responsibilities: Other duties as assigned; positive interpersonal skills are required to effectively work with survivors, their children and families. Be on call 24/7 for after-hour crisis response and shelter monitoring.

Qualifications:

• Education: HS Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  AA or BA in either Social Services or Social Work or in a related field is recommended.

• Experience/Basic Knowledge: A minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in victim advocacy field, Tribal Human/ Social Services or Tribal Organization;
  excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Required Licenses/Certifications: valid driver’s license with clear record; be willing to obtain a victim advocacy certification
• Physical Requirements: Must have manual dexterity to enter and retrieve data from a computer. Ability to sit and stand for long periods. Bends and stoops regularly.
• Preferences: Keres speaking is preferred; San Felipe Preference and Veteran’s Preference; must pass a background check. No DWI record.