At LACASA, the spirit of diversity and inclusion is encouraged and infused into everything we engage in; activities, behaviors and communications inside and outside the walls of LACASA. From the educational programs we develop and the shelter we operate to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. LACASA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, pregnancy status, ethnicity, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, physical or mental disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation and/or Veteran status.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Shelter Advocate is a professional human service position that facilitates day-to-day communal living among shelter residents through the provision of crisis intervention, emotional support, information, referrals and advocacy. Under general supervision, the shelter advocate provides low barrier harm reduction, trauma informed support, and assistance to survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence. This position requires strong skills in crisis intervention, advocacy, organization and knowledge of interpersonal violence trauma.
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required. Two years of experience providing support to survivors in crisis; two years of experience in a related field such as advocacy on behalf of survivors, women’s shelter services, women’s transitional housing, or second stage housing preferred. Knowledge of facts and dynamics of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence preferred. Knowledge of community resources. Excellent communication skills. Ability to communicate with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Orients new clients to the shelter and its guidelines and expectations; enforces shelter guidelines and expectations.
- Promotes and assists clients with creating a safe and cooperative living environment within shelter.
- Facilitates weekly resident meetings to determine the needs of the residents.
- Provides parenting support, incorporating a women-centered, culturally sensitive, strength-based approach.
- Assists with transportation for survivors as needed.
- Provides follow up services with survivors.
- Assists with the Safe Pet Place responsibilities.
- Provides case management and appropriate direct services, including social casework, to clients within the residential programs.
- Provides respite for parents, as needed.
- Provides recreational and non-traditional therapeutic activities for children.
- Records and maintains clinical documentation, in keeping with the standards established by the agency and related funders.
- Makes appropriate referrals and advocates for individuals and families to other agencies when appropriate.
- Attends and participates in all meetings as required.
- Assists in the development of client services.
- Networks and advocates with the community around client identified needs and issues, for victims of domestic violence.
- Provides crisis counseling, intervention, and referrals through agency helpline, and to clients, as needed.
- Works collaboratively with counselors, advocates, and volunteers, regarding client activities and services.
- Continues to develop oneself as a professional through supervision and training.
- Adheres to ethical standards of the profession.
- Adheres to confidentiality policy as it relates to shelter residents, clients and all aspects of agency operations; records, reports, and discussions.
- Behaves in a manner consistent with LACASA Philosophies, Standards of Conduct and LACASA Staff Handbook.
- Attends and participates in all meetings as required.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Frequent periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Occasionally required to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Frequent traversing of shelter facility.
- Occasional bending, stooping and reaching
- Frequent communication with residents, coworkers and outside agencies.
Schedule: Regular Full-Time/Non-Exempt Employee (8hrs/day, 40hrs/week)
Supervisor: Residential Supervisor
If you meet or exceed the qualifications for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to hr@lacasacenter.org.
LACASA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. LACASA is an equal opportunity employer. LACASA is a 501(c)3 organization.
