Residential Advocate

Overview

JOB HIGHLIGHTS
:
When joining the emergency residential shelter team at My Sisters’ Place (MSP), you will be part of a dynamic and diverse group of passionate counselors and advocates committed to transforming the world. You will work to further MSP’s mission in accordance with our guiding principles in a leadership role that addresses the complex safety and support needs of survivors of domestic violence (DV) and human trafficking (HT).

Main Areas of Focus: Domestic Violence residential services;
Case Management;
Counseling;
Crisis Intervention;
Hotline support

Location: Westchester County, NY

Job Overview:

The Residential Advocate (4 pm – 12 am) works to further MSP’s mission, in accordance with our “guiding principles” in a key role as part of the residential program. Per Diem Residential Advocates provide critical supportive services in a way that is compassionate and adheres to culturally appropriate best practices and agency expectations. At times, the Residential Advocate may be covering a shift alone.

The Residential Advocate should be compassionate, responsive, resourceful, have sound critical thinking and problem solving skills. Ensure that each client is supported by assessing individual needs, helping to create short and long-term goals through creation of each resident’s Goal and Action Plan (GAP), and that each client has access to relevant resources.

Responsibilities Includes: Under the guidance of the Senior Residential Advocate, the Residential Advocate will:

• Provide day-to-day case management, counseling, and crisis intervention to clients as needed
• Answer MSP’s 24-hour hotline when needed, responding to callers in crisis by providing information and resources and assess eligibility for MSP services
• Assist with intake procedures including but not limited to review of the Welcome Packet, development of an ongoing assessment safety plan, coordinate follow-up on initial appointments for DSS and other relevant services providers
• Keep thorough and up-to-date client records in accordance with agency file requirements
• Timely submission of all monthly stats to Senior Residential Advocate
• Assist in the completion of OVS “crime victim compensation” application, public benefits and housing applications as needed and/or requested services
• Assure safety and well-being of residents in accordance with shelter guidelines and resident responsibilities. Provide crisis intervention and conflict de-escalation and resolution to ensure physical and emotional safety of residents, staff, and volunteers
• Keep Senior Residential Advocates and Director of Residential Programs advised of the needs of shelter residents and any communal living concerns
• Participate in regular supervision with Senior Residential Advocate to promote the provision of quality services. Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, trainings and other professional development opportunities
• Collaborate with the Senior Residential Advocate and Residential counseling team to identify residents in need of additional clinical support
• Assist in the maintenance of the petty cash log and facilitate the collection of backup documentation regularly
• Assist the Senior Residential Advocate in other duties and tasks as directed. Work closely with and take direction from Coordinator of Residential Case Management, Residential Counselor and Director of the Residential Program to complete requested/required tasks

• Bachelor’s degree preferred: two years college, plus two years’ experience a plus
• Knowledge of victimization and domestic violence preferred
• Prior counseling or advocacy experience in a residential setting a plus
• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and on a team
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
• Job requires lifting typical office materials from time to time, lifting and carrying food items, bending and lifting items to put them away, and may include accepting and transporting in-kind donations
• If using personal vehicle, must…