Evening Shelter Advocate

# Evening Shelter Advocate Evening Shelter Advocate

Job Description February 25, 2024

Healing Abuse Working for Change, Inc., creates social change by taking action against personal and societal patterns of violence and oppression. For the past 48 years, HAWC has provided free services and support to survivors of domestic abuse on Massachusetts’ North Shore to help them make informed, independent decisions about their futures. More information is available cdv.org.

General Description:

HAWC is seeking to hire a shelter advocate to work Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm. This full-time position provides services to survivors of domestic violence on site in our Emergency Family Shelter Program, providing advocacy with outside agencies and within the program, facilitating groups for families and individuals in the shelter, assessing and referring to appropriate services and accompanying families and individuals to provide advocacy and support in appointments when needed.

This position is benefitted and non-exempt with compensation in the range of $23.00 to $25.00/hour based on experience and skill, including language skills. Bilingual language skills (Spanish or Portuguese) are not required for this position but are strongly preferred. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week with the occasional opportunity for additional hours if desired.

Summary of Benefits:3 weeks of vacation per year during first year; increases at year 5, carryover of 2 weeks
13 Holidays off per year
13 Sick days per year5 Personal days per year
70% Health Insurance paid by HAWC
70% Dental Insurance paid by HAWC
70% Paid Family & Medical Leave paid by HAWC
100% Short & Long-term Disability paid by HAWC
100% Employee Assistance Plan paid by HAWC
100% paid Life Insurance (1x annual salary up to $50,000)
Health Reimbursement Account (HAWC pays first 50% of deductible)
Flexible Spending Account
401K plan Qualifications and Requirements:

Direct service advocacy and/or case management experience

Experience in designing and/or facilitating educational support groups

Experience navigating service systems, including housing, mental health, medical, legal and/or school systems

Sensitivity to the unique concerns of survivors of domestic violence; commitment to survivors to promote healing from experiences of domestic violence

Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication

Ability and willingness to work effectively with participants of diverse backgrounds and experiences

Strong crisis intervention and active listening skills; commitment to learning and utilizing trauma-informed practices of client engagement and advocacy

Commitment to working collaboratively with shelter team members and agency leadership

Flexibility to meet individual needs of clients and collective needs of shelter teammates

Proficient in basic computer, internet and data-entry skills

Bilingual language skills not required but Spanish or Portuguese language skills are strongly preferred

Position Responsibilities:

Screen prospective clients to ensure the shelter program is an appropriate fit for their needs; complete intake in trauma-informed manner

Maintain a caseload of individual/family participants of the shelter program, typically meeting with clients at least once per week and providing advocacy support between formal meetings

Provide support, crisis intervention, advocacy and information to the participants at the shelter

Empower clients to make safe, supportive choices for themselves and their families

Make appropriate assessments and referrals to agencies and services, both within HAWC and with other community providers

Communicate in a thoughtful and professional manner with collaborating agencies, such as DTA, DCF and other community providers

Ensure safety and consistency of shelter operations including oversight of client program requirements and safety protocols

Support clients with children to ensure they have the parenting support they need, including connecting children with services that promote healing and resilience

Maintain logs, files and other paper documentation

Ensure accurate and thoughtful entry of data into Empower electronic…