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 Advocate provides residential support for survivors and families sheltered at the YWCA, ensuring a safe and healthy living environment. In addition, the Safehouse Advocate assists in daily shelter operations, including general oversight of facility housekeeping, safety and related activities, food pantry operations, general supply inventory/ stocking, and other general maintenance functions.

Primary Duties and Expectations:

• Conduct regular inspections of the Safehouse site to ensure safety and security by identifying and coordinating safety hazards corrections, making/arranging for maintenance repairs, and suggesting/implementing improvements.
• Prepare living area for shelter guests by conducting light cleaning, coordinating maintenance/repairs, and restocking supplies.
• Provide advocacy support and coordination of services for shelter guests.
• Conduct routine housekeeping inspections and report any pest control issues as well as monitor for resolution.
• Train shelter guests on shelter emergency and non-emergency procedures in compliance with departmental and agency policies.
• Conduct regular inventory of supplies needed for shelter guests. Coordinate the acquisition and distribution of basic supplies and donations for survivors.
• Coordinate the sorting, distribution and storage of supplies and donation items.
• Maintain donation areas and ensure items are organized and accessible.
• Complete shift tasks such as floor checks, shift updates, and report any unusual events.
• Maintain all records and documentation as required, including accurate shelter guest data, reports and shift notes
• Provide shift coverage as needed.
• Arrange transportation of shelter guests, for emergencies and/or as assigned.
• Ensure that the food pantry is utilized in compliance with food storage guidelines.
• Provide advocacy and goal planning support for residents, building positive, professional relationship, while implementing daily operational activities of Safehouse.
• Respond to Help Line calls, providing guidance and support as needed
• Facilitate daily floor meetings.
• Assist with the training of new staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Perform other duties and tasks assigned.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Associate’s degree in human services, social work, criminal justice or psychology and/or related experience preferred; minimum HS Diploma or GED required.
• Strong understanding of intimate partner domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, trauma focused interventions, and trauma informed practices.
• Previous work experience in a community-based or human services organization preferred
• 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.
• Maintain required training hours offered by the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Michigan Victim Advocacy Network, and other professional training venues to ensure professional readiness.
• Ability to connect with others who have suffered trauma, demonstrate empathy and develop supportive relationships with residents.
• Collaborate and work effectively with YWCA staff, external providers and community partners
• Problem-solving skills and organizational skills (i.e., ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines).
• PC proficiency in a Microsoft environment; and experience with data entry required.
• Cultural competence to work with a diverse staff and residents in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain calm under pressure or in crisis situations.
• Ability to handle information with the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently, occasionally as the only staff member on duty.
• Possess emotional and physical stamina to deal with stressful situations and self-awareness to reach out for assistance when needed for self-care.
• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs., climb stairs, and perform light cleaning and maintenance, required.