Immokalee Emergency Shelter Advocate

Emergency Shelter Advocate – The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Location: Immokalee Shelter location
Reports to: Residential Manager
Employment Type: Fulltime, Non- Exempt (Hourly)
Direct Reports: N/A

Schedule:
Schedule may be one of two daily 12-hour shifts, Three days per week.

• Day: 7 am – 7 pm
• Night: 7 pm – 7 am

Work Environment:
This is a fully in-person position with no opportunities for remote work.

Required Background Screening Process

Candidates are responsible for providing satisfactory supervisory references and verifiable employment and/or volunteer history covering up to seven (7) years. If required references cannot be obtained or verified after reasonable efforts, the candidate may be deemed ineligible to proceed in the selection process. Additionally, candidates:

• Must provide valid authorization to work in the U.S.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License
• Must pass National Clearinghouse Fingerprinting Background Check completed through DCF. More info at: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
  
• Must pass drug screening

Inclusive Job Requirements & Anti-Discrimination Framework

Employees in this role must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. This includes the ability to bend and lift up to 20 pounds. The role may require extended periods of sitting or standing.

The work environment described herein represents the conditions an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

The Organization will engage in an interactive process and provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Shelter is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.

The Impact of This Position

The Shelter’s Emergency Shelter Advocates offer empowerment-based advocacy, counseling, crisis intervention, and wrap-around services to support victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. They assist these individuals in navigating dangerous situations and connect them to vital resources and community support systems to ensure short and long-term safety.

Non-Negotiables

Education and Experience

• Must have High School Diploma and/or GED
• Associate’s degree and/or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields is required
• Experience with domestic violence, human trafficking, and our trauma intervention and prevention is preferred

Certifications and Training

• Completion of First Aid and CPR certification
• Successful completion of The Shelter’s Core Competency training upon hire

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure
• Demonstrated exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of people
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to adapt seamlessly to various environments, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach
• Techy savvy candidates preferred. Must effectively process data entry and navigate across various software (Outlook, Word)

Who You Are

• Able to prioritize effectively and work within tight timelines
• Caring, compassionate, and kind
• Collaborative, with the ability to inspire and foster partnerships
• Comfortable learning new systems, software, and processes
• Composed and self-aware when facing challenges
• Critical thinker and objective decision-maker
• Curious, gritty, and passionate about The Shelter’s mission
• Detail-oriented and accurate in work
• Professional proficiency in English; bilingual in Spanish or Creole preferred
• Willing to take extreme ownership of responsibilities and contributions

Essential Functions

• Adhere to The Shelter’s Polices & Procedures and DCF Standards and guidelines for advocacy
• Aid in filing for restraining orders, injunctions, protective orders, immigration, and other petitions
• Assess lethality of participant’s situation and participants’ needs
• Assist participant with safety plans (development & implementation)
• Assist victims in securing rights, remedies, and services from other agencies
• Determine if the victim is seeking emergency shelter and offer assistance, as needed
• Educate survivors about basic financial fundamentals with The Shelter’s partner resources
• Maintain a safe, clutter-free Shelter through housekeeping tasks like trash removal, preparing bedrooms, and assisting survivors with kitchen upkeep
• Offer aid in locating emergency financial assistance, TANF benefits, and other resources
• Perform any other duties as assigned by your supervisor
• Provide empowerment-based counseling (face-to-face and/or via telephone) in either individual or group settings
• Provide empowerment-based, culturally inclusive family advocacy for all participants
• Provide information on the dynamics of domestic violence and human trafficking
• Provide referrals, vouchers, and/or supplies for transportation, food, clothing, and emergency housing
• Support, assist, and advocate for victims at any stage in the criminal justice system
• Teach survivors essential life skills, including cooking and cleaning

What We Value

• A culture of philanthropy
• Adaptability to new systems and processes
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work
• Human connection and personal growth
• Kindness, compassion, and open-mindedness
• The Shelter’s 3 I’s: Integrity, Initiative, & Innovation
• Passion for our mission and eagerness to learn
• Professionalism and leadership by example
• Resilience and extreme ownership in facing challenges

Full-time Employee Benefits Package

The Shelter offers a spectacular benefits package for all full-time staff, including a 36-hour work week, staff appreciation events, and generous 200 hours of paid time off for vacation, your birthday, holidays, and sick days.

We cover 100% of medical and mental health benefits, offer affordable dental and vision plans, an employer match 401K program, Flexible Spending Account for medical expenses and dependent care, Employee Assistance Program, and Paid Time Off Buy Back Program for eligible employees.

We also encourage a happy, healthy, and whole work environment by empowering staff to maintain their wellness through fitness incentives.

Full disclosure of details, policies, and procedures are provided upon hire.