Housing Outreach Advocate in Flint, Michigan at YWCA of Greater Flint

Mission Statement:

The YWCA Greater Flint is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Position Summary:

The Safehouse Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the YWCA Safehouse, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for Safehouse Survivors, providing support for services such as intakes, assessments and connecting survivors with resources. The Safehouse Manager is responsible for directly overseeing donation operations, Resident Advocates, Family Advocates, and Housing Outreach Advocates.

Major Duties and Expectations:

• Exhibits commitment to the mission and values of the agency ensuring service excellence.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information according to policies and procedures.
• Facilitates good communication between co-workers, outside agencies, and management teams.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and outside agencies.

· Responsible for daily operations of Safehouse including maintaining shelter rights, responsibilities and confidentiality.

· Review open/closed files for accuracy.

· Provide support and/or crisis intervention to Safehouse survivors when necessary.

· Conduct regular inspections of the Safehouse site to ensure safety and security, monitor the Safehouse for safety hazards, repairs, and improvements.

· Identify and troubleshoot maintenance and technical issues including making minor repairs and performing basic home maintenance.

· Conduct routine housekeeping inspections and monitor/report any pest control issues.

· Train staff/residents on shelter emergency and non-emergency procedures in compliance with departmental and agency policies.

· Direct Supervision of Safehouse staff, Family Advocate, and Housing Outreach Advocate, including hiring, scheduling, coaching and performance reviews.

· Approve and submit timesheets for direct reports.

· In collaboration with the Family Advocate, coordinate the acquisition and distribution of basic supplies and donations for survivors and conduct inventory of supplies.

· Provide shift coverage for Safehouse as needed.

· Facilitate regular department meetings.

• Maintain complete and accurate written and electronic reports.
• Maintain a safe, clean, non-threatening, open, inclusive environment for survivors and employees.
• Offer and assist survivors with resources.
• Assist with the training of new staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings.
• Participate in on-call leadership rotation.
• Perform other duties and tasks assigned.
• In collaboration with staff, develop & oversee a robust programming calendar for shelter residents and housing program participants.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or equivalent education and/or work experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of employment managerial/supervisory work experience.
• Preferred strong understanding of intimate partner domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, trauma focused interventions, and trauma informed practices.
• Preferred two years' experience in the social service sector, as an employee or volunteer.
• Ability to work effectively in crisis situations.
• Completion of 40-hour New Service Provider training as mandated by the State of Michigan. Candidates who do not already have this certificate will be required to attend the next available training.
• Availability as Needed for Program Operations.
• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs., climb stairs, and perform light cleaning and maintenance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong problem-solving skills; strong organizational skills (i.e., ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines).
• Experience with data entry; PC proficiency in a Microsoft environment.
• Preferred familiarity with community-based services and resources.
• Ability to provide culturally competent services and work with diverse staff and clientele in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain calm under pressure.
• Ability to handle information with the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently as the only staff member on the premises.
• Possess emotional and physical stamina to deal with a variety of stressful situations and self-awareness to reach out to supervisor for assistance when needed.
• Background checks including Central Registry Clearance and Criminal.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Reliable transportation & valid driver’s license.