Shelter Advocate at Alliance for Community Transformations – Mariposa, California

This position provides trauma-informed case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in shelter and transitional housing settings. The role supports client safety, stability, and self-sufficiency through individualized planning, group support, education, and resource coordination. Responsibilities include maintaining shelter security, responding to crises, enforcing program guidelines, documenting services, and collaborating with staff, volunteers, and community partners.

The position requires the ability to work independently in high-stress environments, communicate compassionately with diverse populations, and uphold confidentiality and organizational values. A valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to meet physical and safety requirements are essential.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond empathetically to victims of crime to reduce trauma and provide non-judgmental support
• Assist Shelter Lead and Program Director with orientation of new shelter clients
• Develop self-sufficiency plans and goals for shelter and transitional housing residents
• Assess clients’ current and long-term needs
• Provide one-on-one and group support
• Conduct educational classes as assigned
• May provide childcare for groups or classes as requested
• Facilitate house meetings
• Relay client issues and occurrences between night and morning staff
• Communicate with law enforcement and other agencies as needed
• Enforce shelter and transitional housing guidelines and rules
• Adhere to organizational mission, values, and policies
• Maintain knowledge of available client and community resources
• Represent the organization professionally in the community
• Maintain confidentiality of all client information

• Ensure safety of shelter buildings and residents through regular patrols
• Investigate unusual sounds, disturbances, or intrusions
• Respond to shelter phone calls and door visitors
• Contact law enforcement as necessary
• Conduct curfew checks
• Report incidents to the Shelter Lead and Program Director

• Complete data entry of client registration and service logs
• Answer crisis line calls and accurately document services provided

• Complete house chores, tasks, and light maintenance as assigned
• Perform other duties within the job classification
• Participate in staff meetings as scheduled or requested

• Pick up commodities monthly and deliver to designated office and shelter locations
• Document food distribution statistics and submit monthly data

• Data entry and office computer programs
• Domestic violence and sexual assault dynamics
• Crisis intervention and counseling techniques
• Office operations and administrative processes
• Computer applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, webinar platforms, and web-based software

• Communicate effectively in stressful or crisis situations
• Work with limited supervision in high-stress environments
• Communicate respectfully with individuals from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
• Assist clients with conflict resolution
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and professionalism
• Supervise and support volunteers

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of two years of work or volunteer experience in social services
• Ability to communicate compassionately and clearly
• Completion of required volunteer or program training upon hire
• Completion of First Aid and CPR certification upon hire

• Ability to see, read, and interpret instructional materials
• Ability to hear and understand speech in person and by phone
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds
• Ability to bend, stoop, walk, reach, push/pull, squat, twist, and turn
• Mental acuity to perform essential job functions accurately and timely
• Ability to drive a vehicle

Additional Requirements

• Fingerprint clearance (at employer expense)
• Valid California Driver’s License
• Proof of current automobile insurance
• Reliable transportation