Counselor Advocate-Relief

The People Concern

Title:                    Counselor Advocate – Relief  

Department:       Sojourn

Project:               Shelter Services

Reports to:         Program Manager

Supervises:        None

Schedule:           Days, Afternoons, Nights, 1st, 2nd, 3rd shift, as needed, on call

Bilingual:            Spanish/English strongly preferred

Status:                Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Benefits:             Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan

SUMMARY

Sojourn’s mission is to provide, without prejudice, shelter and support services to adult and child victims of domestic violence; prevent violence through non-dominant child-rearing, and the re-envisioning of gender stereotypes using a philosophy of nonviolence and individual empowerment; and work toward advancing social justice, locally and globally. Through shelter, support groups, workshops, hotline calls, children’s empowerment programming, legal services, and service referrals, Sojourn brings safety, connection, and hope to individuals and families. Sojourn also works to educate the broader community and advance public policy that affirms the rights of oppressed populations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Working under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Counselor Advocate Relief will:

1.     Maintain accurate progress notes and documentation of client services

2.     Adhere to program/contract compliance as per guidelines and requirements mandated for DV shelter programs, standards of confidentiality, HIPPA, safety and crisis intervention.

3.     Responsible for providing direct services to clients:

a.     Assist with client crises as needed (life skills, conflicts resolution, safety planning, etc) using trauma-informed de-escalation and mediation techniques.

b.     Ensure implementation of empowerment model, harm reduction and trauma informed care methodologies.

c.     Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, resources and eligibility screenings for program services for potential program participants via Sojourn 24-hour hotline for DV crisis per DV best practices and standards.

d.     Assist with client entry and exit of shelter programs

e.     Assist with transportation of program participants and their belongings to meetings such as the court, doctors, community resources, and housing appointments etc. as necessary.

f.      Facilitate support groups for Adult and Child Participants including but not limited to life skills, DV education, Parenting Education.

g.     Provide child-care occasionally

h.     Ensure adherence to shelter guidelines for program participants under the supervision of shelter management.

i.      Provide resources and referrals as needed

j.      Assist with life skills support and education such as, grocery shopping, assistance with chores/cleaning, provision of child care,

4.      Establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with clients, staff, community partners and community stakeholders including mental health programs, DV shelter programs, local law enforcement, local neighborhood councils (and other local officials), and providers of services and resources to homeless persons.

5.      Attend staff meetings, case conferences, training workshops, and community meetings as needed.

6.      Take inventory of site needs and submit facility maintenance, IT, and supply order requests.

7.      Submit daily activity reports to leadership staff and effectively communicate on-site activities; ensure appropriate communication during shift transition meetings

8.      Participate and conduct safety drills, routine facility checks to ensure compliance with county health standards

9.      Participate in maintaining the organization and cleanliness of the shelter facility.

10.   Work with shelter management to report credible suspicions of child abuse

11.   Train, assist and provide feedback to volunteers

12.   Other Duties as Assigned

Specific Duties-Operations:
1. Ensure that shelter property and its surroundings is well maintained and clean.
2. Regularly inspect facilities to verify clean, sanitary conditions.
3. Report any maintenance issues or need for repairs to supervisor in a timely fashion.
4. Regularly inspect facility/beds to ensure they are in working order.
5. Train shelter support staff in proper protocol for site maintenance.
8. Ensure monthly safety and fire drills are conducted

Qualifications

·       Experience in social services program or case management preferred; 24-hour shelter experience preferred

·       Trustworthy, honest, and team player.

·       Ability to supervise shelter participants with dignity and respect at all times. Must engage participants in positive interactions and troubleshoot problems as they surface.

·       Must exhibit sound decision-making ability related to crisis and safety planning

·       Ability to work with a diverse population and implement cultural responsiveness

·       Ability to handle communications with public, TPC staff and volunteers via phone or in person.

·       Literate with the ability to operate basic computer functions.

·       Able to maintain confidentiality.

·       Able to supervise sanitary conditions at all times in all areas including, client proms, general areas, and communal living areas.

·       Willingness to work flexible hours as needed, and handle emergencies which may occur daily, nightly, or overnight.

·       Understanding of Domestic Violence Survivor population and their specific needs for services

·       Use of own vehicle; responsible to carry all auto insurance legally required in State of California

·       Extensive experience working in social services field with direct experience related to provision of case management services preferred

·       Experience working in communal living or shelter environment preferred

·       Willingness to receive 40-hour Domestic Violence Training

Work Environment

• Combination of field and office environment
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs.
• On occasion walk or drive to different local sites
• Will necessitate working in busy and loud environments
• Will be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor
• May need to bend, stoop, twist and sit throughout the day