Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate (Weekends)

ABOUT THE COALITION: The Coalition is a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Organization, and we aim to improve the quality of life and create hope for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our ultimate goal is to provide victims with alternative ways of coping with physical and/or emotional abuse through education, counseling, shelter, non-judgmental emotional support, and housing assistance.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: The Coalition offers eligible part time employees participation in our 401(k) with up to a 4% employer match, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Bonus Paid Floating Holiday, and 60 hours of paid sick leave per year.

SUMMARY OF POSITION: Shelter Client Advocates provide direct services and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. They work at the Coalition’s confidential emergency shelter, and answer our Agency’s 24-hour bilingual crisis hotline. In addition to directly supporting shelter residents, advocates educate the community through outreach, seminars, and events that bring attention to domestic violence, to prevent the cycle of violence. Details: 7am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday, 16 hours per week; bilingual in English and Spanish is required.

Fundamental Job Requirements

• Answering 24-hour crisis bilingual crisis hotline to provide peer and crisis support, community referrals, and resource connections to a variety of survivors, and dispatch rape crisis advocates to med/legal exams.
• Provide daily interaction and/or peer counseling with shelter residents to ensure a welcoming and safe residential space, provide on-site support, case management, and other needs at the request of the shelter resident.
• Assist residents with finding employment/income, housing, resume writing, etc.
• Provide transportation to various locations at the request of the shelter resident towards the improvement of their case plan.
• Offer and provide advocacy in criminal justice and/or social services areas to shelter residents and hotline callers.
• Court accompaniment and assistance with filing restraining orders and child custody; when needed facilitate contact with Coalition’s Legal Program.
• Intake and Exit processes for shelter residents.
• Participate in trainings relevant to domestic violence survivors in shelter programs, shelter policies, procedures, and general topics in the DV field.
• Maintain shelter client files and collection of statistical documents as required by California Emergency Management Agency, Ventura County Human Services Agency, and other funders of the emergency shelter program.
• Ability to speak English and Spanish fluently is a requirement.

Schedule

• This position is expected to work between the hours of 7am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday, 16 hours per week.
• Due to the essential functions of this job, including the crisis hotline and emergency shelter, arriving for your shift on time is an essential requirement.
• This position is eligible for overtime benefits.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in social, psychological, or social services background preferred; or relevant experience may be substituted.

Certifications

• Must obtain Domestic Violence Counselor certification that meets the requirements under California Evidence Code 1037.1 within one year of hire date.
• Optional to obtain Sexual Assault Counselor certification that meets the requirements under California Evidence Code 1305.2 within one year of hire date.
• Must attend agency LGBTQ+ 101 training within 6 months of hire.

Mental/Social Requirements

• Must be able to demonstrate working effectively with and showing respect to all survivors of violence, including those from diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, socioeconomic, sexual preferences and/or identities, gender identities/expression, and political backgrounds.
• Must demonstrate ability to navigate crisis and problem solve independently, using best judgment.
• Must maintain a positive, friendly, and welcoming attitude with staff and clients within the organization.
• Must utilize assertiveness, professionalism and non-violent communication when speaking with clients, staff, or community partners.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with clients and staff verbally and in writing.
• Downtime is not uncommon; staff are expected to take initiative during downtime to research and/or improve shelter procedures and accommodations for future residents.

OTHER INFORMATION

• Must pass extensive background check.
• Travel by car and transporting clients may be required for this position. Valid driver’s license and DMV record check is required.
• Work location is a two-story home. Ability to walk up and down stairs, sit at a desk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds may be required. Accommodations may be made upon request when possible.

EEO – Coalition for Family Harmony is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer; all applicants will be given full consideration under state, local, and federal law.

To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter to jobs@thecoalition.org