PRN Shelter Advocate PT in Topeka, Kansas at YWCA Northeast Kansas

Job Classification: Non-exempt

Work Schedule: Mutually determined, as fill in or back up to scheduled shelter staff shifts

Reporting Relationship: Center for Safety and Empowerment’s (CSE’s) Assistant Shelter Manager

Primary Accountability: Maintains a safe, confidential environment for clients of YWCA CSE’s shelter. Provides services to clients and their children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking.

Major Duties:

• Offers information and/or crisis counseling to 800 number callers, make referrals to other community agencies and resources (crime victims compensation fund, mental health services, etc.).
• Meets victims at the hospital for domestic violence or sexual assault support.
• Conducts initial shelter screen and intake for victims of domestic and/or sexual violence.
• Orients new shelter residents and completes necessary paper work.
• Monitors residents in community living, addressing any concerns that arise per Shelter policy manual.
• Assures resident and staff safety by taking necessary emergency measures.
• Assists in maintaining shelter cleanliness and orderliness. Examples: shelter laundry, donation management, stock kitchen, clean/set up bedrooms for the next shelter resident.
• Documents relevant shift information in log and provide verbal “briefing” to oncoming staff and staff back-up as needed.
• Documents all calls and completing weekly, bi-weekly, and/or monthly paper work for supervisor.
• Attends monthly Shelter Staff Meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Actively promotes and supports the organization’s mission and vision.

Qualifications:

• Ability to work well with a diverse client population.
• Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to relate well to victims crisis.
• Ability to maintain health and safety regulations at the shelter.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must be punctual, reliable and understand client/staff good boundaries issues.
• Certified in First Aid and CPR. (Must earn certification within 180 days of hire.)

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs.
• Must be able to climb up and down stairs several times during shift.
• Ability to drive personal vehicle and to be moving from site to site on any given day.

Work Environment:

• Must be able to work a flexible work week schedule.
• Must have the ability to function in a crisis setting where interruptions are frequent.

Additional Duties:

Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time.

The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.

Non-Discrimination:

YWCA Northeast Kansas is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed workplace. We recognize that systemic inequities impact many aspects of society, and we strive to address these through our policies, practices, and organizational culture. We believe that diversity in all its forms strengthens our mission and our work.

We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. No question on our application is intended to secure information to be used for such discrimination.

We are also committed to fair hiring practices, including the consideration of qualified applicants with criminal records, in line with applicable laws and our values of second chances and community reintegration.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds — including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQIA+ individuals; people with disabilities; gender-diverse individuals; survivors; and members of other historically underrepresented communities.