Shelter/Community Advocate

The Crisis Center is dedicated to reducing domestic violence and family conflict through advocacy, empowerment, violence prevention, and intervention services and education.

The Shelter/Community Advocate provides direct services (advocacy, information and referrals to community agencies, safety planning, case management) and support to victims of domestic violence who reside in the community or within the emergency shelter setting.

The Shelter/Community Advocate reports directly to the Program Manager and is primarily responsible for providing direct services to victims of domestic violence and their children residing in the shelter program, as well as, within the community.  The advocate works with the team to develop, update and present resources that address the needs of the families we serve.  This position will also provide outreach and education to the community and coordinate with other referral sources, service providers, and the criminal justice system.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet with assigned clients as necessary to assess client needs and assists clients in navigating through systems needed to ensure client safety and movement towards greater self-sufficiency.
• Provides domestic violence education and support. Provides high fidelity, wrap around services in accordance with Community Advocacy model.
• Maintain strong, supportive relationships and open communication with clients in the program.
• Communicate (both in writing and verbally) with agency staff to ensure proper quality of service provision and continuity of care.
• Advocate for survivors of domestic violence and perform crisis intervention, such as: answer and document crisis, advocacy and information and referral calls.
• Assist clients in development of safety plans through advocacy and DV education.
• Assist survivors in navigating civil and criminal legal systems and social services.
• Make referrals to, and/or facilitate groups for survivors of domestic violence.
• Engage in community outreach to educate systems and the community about domestic violence. Networks with other service providers with the goal of creating seamless services for clients.
• Maintain strong, supportive relationships and open communication with clients in the program, as well as other program staff.  All interactions with clients are to be respectful and professional.  Maintain professional boundaries with clients.
• Maintain security and safety. Report any safety concerns immediately.
• Assures confidentiality of client information, presence in program, and program location at all times.
• Communicate with agency staff to ensure proper quality of service provision.
• Attends agency and program staff meetings. These meetings are Mandatory.
• Participate in system data collection. Completes necessary paperwork and documentation as required, including documentation within the case management system as to services that are provided.
• Complete necessary paper work and forms on scheduled shift.
• Provides on-call coverage for the 24-hour crisis line, which will include days during the week, weekends and/or holidays. Employees receive additional compensation for being on-call after normal business hours.
• Ability to problem solve with limited resources.
• Adheres to agency policies and procedures. Able to articulate and apply the policies and procedures to the workplace.
• Assist in creating and implementing innovative programming.
• Assist in training of new co-workers and direct service volunteers. Provide supervision to direct service volunteers as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in related field. Work experience may substitute for education.
Experience and desired skills

• Bilingual Spanish speaking will receive priority.
• Experience working with victims and children living with domestic violence.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse and the effects on women, men, transgender, children, and teenagers.
• Ability to lift 20-30lbs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective professional relationships with residents, co-workers, volunteers, and upper level staff and employees.
• Adhere to and uphold all policies, procedures, and protocols of the Crisis Center
• Ensures implementation of expectations we have of clients while in shelter (Welcome Packet & Living Agreement).
• Ability to prepare concise and accurate records and reports.
• Knowledge of available resources that pertain to women, men, and children.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience, ability and willingness to work as a team with diversified staff, volunteers and constituents.
• Knowledge and experience in crisis intervention or domestic violence, advocacy and safety planning.
• Excellent presentation and training skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of human service delivery systems and systems advocacy.
• Updated CPR/First Aid Certificate.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Dependable transportation. Must hold a valid Colorado State Driver’s License and provide proof of insurance. This position may require use of personal vehicle to transport clients. Must be considered an approved driver by Crisis Center, and as directed by agency insurance provider.
• Must pass background check, including Colorado Bureau of Investigation (fingerprint), Colorado TRAILS and review of sex offender registries for all states and jurisdictions where one has resided within the last five (5) years.
• Employees are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including boosters, and flu unless qualified for exemption for medical or religious reasons.

SCHEDULE/SALARY:

This is regularly scheduled, full-time, hourly, non-exempt position. Starting wage is $21.48- $23.73 per hour based upon education, experience, and related certifications/trainings. Salary deferential for Spanish speaking ($1.00 more per hour).

Additional on-call pay is provided for covering the crisis line after hours (8 p.m.- 8 a.m., holidays, and weekends).

Schedule is typically Monday-Friday, with 1-2 shifts per week until 8 p.m. Flexibility in schedule is based upon client and program needs. Full-time staff are currently able to work remotely two days per week. The other three days are in the office.

BENEFITS

• Paid time off (4 weeks accrued in first year)
• Eight (8) paid holidays
• Three (3) floating holidays
• $25,000 Life Insurance, employer paid
• Short and Long-term disability, employer paid
• Employee Assistance program
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance. Employer pays a portion towards medical insurance. All other insurance premiums are covered by employee.
• 403 (b) retirement plan, employee contribution only

NOTE: This job description is not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of this position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements to the work of the Crisis Center and are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Crisis Center will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. The Crisis Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender status, military status, age over 40, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interested candidates should submit letter of interest and resume to Jody Curl, Director of Programs.  jodycurl@nullthecrisiscenter.org   Applications accepted through September 18, 2023.