Relief Advocate

Overview:

This is a grant funded, part time, 30 hours per week position at Safe Space’s domestic violence and sexual assault program and shelter in Butte, MT. The position will primarily work up to 40 hours at the shelter on-call, filling in for position vacancies and employee leave. Adjustments in hours may be made for evening and/or weekend shifts based on the needs of the program. At times, additional hours may be available during the week to assist in covering training hours/time off requests of weekday/weekend staff. The primary responsibility of this position is providing crisis line coverage to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault/abuse and insures coverage of the shelter.

Qualifications:

Preferred Bachelor’s degree in social or human services, or equivalent experience. An understanding of the issue of domestic violence and sexual assault and sensitivity to the plight of individuals who are abused; crisis intervention, problem-solving and advocacy skills, knowledge of resources, ability to utilize empowerment philosophy and to remain non-judgmental while working with diverse populations, and ability to work closely with staff and volunteers. Employee must have strong organizational skills and excellent written and oral communication skills. Employee must be capable of working independently and as a team player with little direct supervision. Employee must possess a valid driver’s license, vehicle, and liability insurance.

Weekend Specific Responsibilities:

· Be present at shelter during scheduled shifts to insure welfare and safety of all clients according to policy and procedure manual.

· Daily shelter cleaning, i.e., general housekeeping duties, as outlined upon employment. Full shelter cleaning as needed.

· Organizing/sorting/folding incoming donations.

· Loading and unloading company vehicle with donations that will be disbursed to other social service organizations.

· Preparing each resident room for new clients, including utilization of Universal Precautions.

· Maintain outside quarters, i.e., shoveling sidewalks, etc.

· Coordinate after hours client transportation emergencies.

· Work with other staff to coordinate follow up services.

· Assist with special events as delegated by Executive Director/other staff.

· Collect monthly statistics regarding clients and services provided, as delegated by the Executive Director, input data into statistical data collection program and turn them into Executive Director and appropriate weekday staff.

Advocate Specific Responsibilities:

· Provides case management and crisis intervention services.

· Provide direct services to clients through crisis hotline, crisis counseling, assessments, and intakes.

· Perform intake and exit services as needed. Explain forms and see that all forms are signed, assign clients rooms, and give them personal toiletry items, explain house rules and regulations to new clients and ensure compliance of rules on shift.

· Assess client needs; assist with safety planning.

· Advocates for survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault/abuse.

· Provide emotional support, information regarding all known options, and assist in working out a plan of action.

· Meets with clients at the hospital or police station, as necessary.

· Contact/communicate with law enforcement regarding safety of clients—as needed.

· Supervising shelter activities, promoting positive resident interaction, offering conflict resolution during disagreements, educate residents about positive communications, and routinely provide parenting and life skills guidance.

· Maintain confidentiality of client records.

· Answer 24/7 crisis line during normal scheduled shift.

· Make decisions as to admittance of shelter residents based on policies and procedures and ask Executive Director for final approval.

· Establish and document discharge plan for clients existing services.

· Brief clients on all services and resources available to them and educate them about domestic violence and sexual assault.

· Documenting of services provided to client.

· Arrange transportation for client.

· Coordinate with other staff for services of all survivors.

· Performs other duties as assigned to effectively conduct Safe Space business.

Miscellaneous Job Responsibilities:

· Attends and participates in all staff meetings, monitoring sessions, community events, and other agency related business.

· Helps Wash, sort, organize donations ready for wear.

· This position requires effective organizational, problem solving, and written and oral communication skills.

· Complete 40 hours of initial victim services training upon hire and complete 20 hours every year after.

· Must submit to random drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Able to speak and work well with others

· Strong written and verbal skills

· Ability to work in stressful and quick changing environment

· Computer literate with programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Every weekend
• On call

Application Question(s):

• Are you available to work every Saturday 8am - 8pm and every Sunday 8am - 8pm?

Ability to Commute:

• Butte, MT (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person