Shelter Advocate (Full-Time)

Please note this position is NOT REMOTE and in person only on Kaua'i with no relocation package.

Function:

Reporting to the Shelter Director, the Shelter Advocate supports the delivery of 24/7 services by promoting the safety, stability, and well-being of program participants in the Family Violence Shelter (FVS). This role provides telephone and in-person crisis intervention, advocacy, emotional support, and psychoeducation to individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, utilizing a trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach.

The Shelter Advocate also helps maintain the safety and security of the FVS facility and its program participants, while supporting program operations through effective communication and coordination with YWCA staff.

General Qualifications: In alignment with the mission that the YWCA of Kauai is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, the ideal candidate will be able to contribute to a work environment that values diversity, creativity and mutual respect, as well as:

1. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of various ages, cultures and backgrounds.

2. Maintain effective working relationships and be a team player.

3. Demonstrate excellent client service skills on the phone, in person and online.

4. Assume individual responsibility and work collaboratively.

5. Utilize good organizational and multi-tasking skills and be able to handle multiple priority tasks using independent judgment.

6. Perform all duties in compliance with the laws and regulations of the State of Hawai’i and the United States government.

Specific Qualifications:

1. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in domestic violence or a related field.

2. Combination of education, professional, and/or lived experience demonstrating the ability to provide empathic, survivor-centered support, advocacy, and referral services to individuals impacted by sexual assault (SA) and domestic violence (DV), utilizing a trauma-informed approach.

3. Strong active listening and problem-solving skills, with the ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations.

4. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all applicable privacy laws, policies, and regulations.

5. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn Native Hawaiian culture, including traditions, values, and practices, with the ability to build respectful, collaborative relationships with diverse communities and partners.

6. Flexibility to work evenings, overnight shifts, and/or weekends, with the ability to maintain a varied schedule as needed.

Education & Technical Skills

1. High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.

2. A bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of required experience.

3. Basic knowledge of interpersonal relationship dynamics and domestic violence within families.

4. Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification within a required timeframe.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide telephone and/or in-person counseling/emotional support, safety planning, information and advocacy, short-term case management, and referrals to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

2. Provide psychoeducation and support to FVS program participants to help process the impacts of abuse and trauma and maintain respectful communal living. Utilizes survivor-centered, trauma-informed practices, including active listening, nonjudgmental responses, and de-escalation techniques.

3. Assists program participants with daily needs, including distribution of essential personal care items and food supplies. Maintains consistent communication with YWCA staff to coordinate program participant support services.

4. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of program participant interactions in case files and the YWCA database; completes required service reporting.

5. Ensures the safety and security of the FVS facility and its program participants. Communicates regularly with FVS staff regarding hazards, safety concerns, and facility or maintenance needs.

6. Attends staff meetings and participates in relevant trainings to support effective victim service delivery.

7. Supports the Shelter Coordinator in maintaining facility and program operations, including:

a. Maintenance: equipment upkeep, weekly room checks, and facility walk-throughs

b. Inventory: maintaining office forms, intake packets, program supplies, storage areas, and inventory logs; facilitating purchases as needed in accordance with accounting procedures

c. Inkind Donations: coordinating approval, pickup, sorting, storage, and distribution; maintaining donor records.

8. Complies with mandatory reporting requirements to appropriate agencies.

9. Relief Advocates are scheduled in advance to cover shifts for regular staff who are unavailable due to illness or scheduled leave. They are not eligible for on-call assignments until their assigned FTE hours have been fulfilled.

10. Performs other duties as assigned, with responsibilities subject to change based on program needs.

Additional Requirements:

1. Valid driver’s license, vehicle and proof of insurance.

2. Willingness and able to work at multiple locations on Kauaʻi.

3. Willingness and able to travel off-island for training and meetings as required.

4. Availability for on-call duty during nights and weekends as required.

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Lihue, HI 96766 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lihue, HI 96766: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17