Part Time Shelter Advocate-Weekends at YWCA Northeast Kansas – Topeka, Kansas

YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We provide transformative services in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking, Community Violence Interruption, before- and after-school programming, and leadership and inclusion initiatives.

Job Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-Time

Work Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 2:00-10:00PM

Reporting Relationship: Assistant Shelter Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Assistant Shelter Manager, the Part-Time Shelter Advocate maintains a safe, confidential environment for clients of YWCA Center for Safety & Empowerment’s shelter. The Part-Time Shelter Advocate provides crisis intervention and advocacy to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking, within the shelter and crisis hotline setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy & Victim/Survivor Support

• 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 paperwork for supervisor.
• Attends monthly Shelter Staff Meetings.

Other Position Functions

• Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position.
• Advocates, promotes, and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in day-to-day interactions.
• Performs other duties assigned by the supervisor or CEO. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

At a minimum, the Part-Time Shelter Advocate must have:

• Basic understanding of dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.
• Knowledge of local community resources and support services.
• Sensitivity to the needs of others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage individuals in crisis.
• Ability to function well in a crisis setting where interruptions are frequent.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel within service areas.
• Commitment to the YWCA mission and values, including a strong focus on racial equity and social justice.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Work Environment: Office
• Lifting Requirement: 50 pounds
• Able to climb flights of stairs multiple times daily.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Transportation.
  • Auto insurance.
  • Travel throughout the multi-county rural service area required.
• Pass various background checks.

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.