Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate

The Rape/Domestic Abuse Program (RDAP) is seeking a self-motivated, compassionate, and team-oriented individual to join our team as a Shelter Advocate. This position provides direct support, advocacy, and services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking who are residing in RDAP’s shelter facilities.

The Shelter Advocate plays an important role in creating a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment where survivors can begin to heal, regain stability, and work toward self-sufficiency. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently, responding to crisis situations, maintaining professional boundaries, and collaborating with survivors, coworkers, community partners, and other service providers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Shelter Advocate will provide a variety of direct services and shelter-related responsibilities, including:

• Provide compassionate, trauma-informed support and advocacy to survivors residing in RDAP shelter facilities.
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to survivors experiencing immediate or ongoing safety concerns.
• Assist survivors with developing individualized safety plans and identifying resources to increase their safety and independence.
• Provide case management and assist residents in identifying and working toward personal goals related to housing, employment, transportation, finances, education, healthcare, legal needs, and other areas of self-sufficiency.
• Advocate for survivors and assist them in navigating community resources and systems, including law enforcement, courts, healthcare providers, social services, and other agencies.
• Respond to and appropriately document crisis line calls and provide information, support, referrals, and advocacy to callers.
• Participate in on-call shifts and respond appropriately to after-hours shelter and crisis needs.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and supportive shelter environment while respecting the privacy, autonomy, and individual needs of each resident.
• Monitor shelter activities and address safety concerns in accordance with RDAP policies and procedures.
• Assist with shelter maintenance and upkeep, including cleaning, organizing, laundry, inventory, preparing rooms, and ensuring common areas and resident spaces are safe and functional.
• Assist with receiving, sorting, organizing, storing, and distributing donations to shelter residents.
• Assist residents with accessing food, clothing, personal hygiene items, household supplies, and other basic necessities.
• Complete required documentation, case notes, incident reports, shelter records, and other paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding survivors, shelter residents, staff, volunteers, and program information.
• Support residents in maintaining shelter expectations and policies while utilizing a respectful, survivor-centered approach.
• Work cooperatively with RDAP staff and community partners to ensure survivors receive appropriate and coordinated services.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, professional development, and other program activities.
• Maintain knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, trauma, victim rights, community resources, and related issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operation of RDAP.

Qualifications and Desired Skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to support individuals experiencing trauma and crisis.
• An understanding of the dynamics and impact of domestic violence and sexual violence, including the importance of survivor autonomy and confidentiality.
• Ability to respond calmly, professionally, and effectively in crisis situations.
• Experience in crisis intervention, crisis counseling, advocacy, case management, social services, or a related field is preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong telephone and active-listening skills.
• Ability to establish appropriate professional relationships while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and demonstrate cultural humility and respect for different experiences, beliefs, and needs.
• Dependability, flexibility, and willingness to work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks in a busy and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with all RDAP policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform basic shelter-related duties, including cleaning, organizing, lifting, and moving supplies or donations as needed. This position would also be responsible for the general outdoor maintenance, including lawn care, mowing, and snow removal.

Work Environment

This position is based in RDAP’s shelter facilities and involves regular interaction with survivors who may be experiencing significant emotional, financial, housing, legal, and safety challenges. The work can be unpredictable and may involve responding to crisis situations. Candidates should be comfortable working in a residential shelter environment and supporting individuals in a trauma-informed and nonjudgmental manner.

Schedule and Benefits

RDAP offers:

• 32-hour work week
• Flexible PTO
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Meaningful work supporting survivors and strengthening the community
• A collaborative and mission-driven work environment

Pay: $30,000.00 - $35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30,000 - $35,000