What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shelter Advocate position at YWCA Oklahoma City?
YWCA Oklahoma City offers victims of domestic violence (DV), sexual assault (SA), and stalking immediate crisis response services through our C.A.R.E. and H.O.P.E programs. The C.A.R.E. programs include the following services: Crisis hotlines, Advocacy, emergency Residential shelter, and forensic nurse Exams. The H.O.P.E. programs include Healing, Opportunities, Prevention, and Education. YWCA OKC services are provided at our primary location, through staff embedded at the Palomar Family Justice Center and local hospitals throughout the metro Oklahoma City area.
The YWCA Oklahoma City is currently seeking Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates for daytime and overtime shifts. We have both full-time and part-time positions open. We are seeking dynamic professionals who are organized, think independently and critically, use appropriate judgement, and ensure quality work. Strong listening, verbal and written communication and organizational skills are required. This is a 24-hour, seven day a week shelter so shift possibilities are overnights and weekends as well as weekdays.
Requirements
-Answer 24-hour crisis hotlines (Domestic Violence Hotlines, Sexual Assault Hotlines, Oklahoma State Safeline, and shelter business lines)
-Assist survivors with safety planning and intentions for entering shelter by analyzing, interpreting and deducing active and potential lethality risk factors.
-Complete admission and initial intake assessments with survivors entering the shelter.
-Assist in maintaining adequate level of shelter supplies e.g., linen closet, cleaning supplies, etc.
-Monitor the security gate, cameras and entry to the shelter to comply with federal and state statutes regarding access to the shelter premises.
-Conduct a minimum of 2 (one at the beginning and end of each shift) shelter walk-throughs to ensure resident safety and check for facility needs.
-Maintain confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information related to residents and programs.
Complete discharge procedures, update client data and review referrals and safety plans with clients as appropriate.
-Update clients’ case files as required by state statute and YWCA policy & procedures and record all transactions with residents in the files.
-Complete documentation to assure compliance with criteria and standards required by licensing and funding sources and complete necessary electronic entries and all required agency forms in a timely fashion.
-Maintain a friendly, safe environment for all shelter residents by following YWCA policies and procedures related to safety of residents and property and responding to resident conflicts and grievances.
-Complete appropriate agency forms to document critical incidents or injury on the premises, notifying supervisor immediately.
-Attend monthly staff meetings and consultations to continually advance knowledge, skills and abilities for assisting victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
-Meet with supervisor on a regular basis to keep her apprised of events, problems, needs, etc.
Qualifications:Associate’s degree is preferred but not required. Relevant domestic violence advocacy experience preferred, bilingual preferred. Full time benefits include health insurance, paid vacation and retirement. Full time benefits include health insurance, paid vacation and retirement.
YWCA OKC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages leaders of color, women, and those who identify as LGBTQI to apply.