Shelter Advocate – Weekend

Job Title: Shelter Advocate – Weekend

Position: Full–time, 32 hours, Friday 4:00 pm to 12:00 AM, Saturday & Sunday 9 am to 9 pm, some holidays required.

Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Residential Services - Shelter

Reports to: Director of Shelter and Transitional Living

Location: 505 Building

Mission:

The mission of The Women's Center is to provide safety, shelter, and support to empower all impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse, and trafficking.

Summary/ Objective**:** This role provides trauma-informed crisis intervention, advocacy, and support services to shelter residents and hotline callers. The Shelter Advocate works collaboratively with clients, staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure quality services and effective shelter operations. Must be available to work assigned shifts, including evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays as needed.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Client Services & Crisis Response

• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, emotional support, and resource referrals to shelter residents and hotline callers.
• Actively engage in maintaining a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment while assisting individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and child abuse.
• Serve as primary staff coverage for the 24-hour crisis hotline, including information and referral services, crisis intervention, and pre-screening of prospective shelter residents.
• Utilize a trauma-informed and client-centered approach when interacting with all clients.
• Assist clients with accessing transportation, community resources, and other supportive services as needed.
• Mediate conflicts between residents and promote a safe, respectful living environment.
• Conduct routine facility rounds to ensure the safety and security of residents, visitors, and staff.
• Respond when necessary to designated Waukesha County hospitals to provide in person advocacy.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information and services.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete client records, reports, and statistical data.
• Document client interactions, hotline calls, services provided, and other required information in electronic databases and paper files during each shift.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, as well as all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Shelter Operations

• Support the day-to-day operation of residential programs to ensure a safe, organized, and welcoming environment.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, sanitary, and orderly facility.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with team members regarding client needs and program operations.
• Maintain current and accessible information regarding community resources and referral options.
• Receive, document, organize, and distribute donations as appropriate.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, crises, and safety concerns
• Welcome visitors, donors, and community members, directing inquiries to the appropriate staff as needed.

Team Collaboration

• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues to support client needs and organizational goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills:

• Experience working or volunteering in domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, crisis intervention, social services, or residential shelter programs
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to answer and engage with callers on a multi-line telephone system.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and trauma-informed care practices
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-stress or potentially confrontational situations
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor information to diverse audiences.
• Strong active listening, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Reading Comprehension - understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Proficiency in managing multiple priorities and meeting documentation deadlines
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, critical thinking, and effective problem-solving in dynamic situations
• Ability to adapt and respond appropriately to changing client and program needs.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Language Requirements

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English proficiently.
• Ability to effectively respond to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, community partners, and members of the public.

Reasoning Ability**:**

• Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking and sound judgment to evaluate situations, assess risks, and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to analyze information and identify practical solutions while maintaining client safety and program integrity.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid driver's license required.

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, and move throughout the shelter facility.
• Ability to safely navigate stairs on a regular basis.
• Ability to remain active throughout scheduled shifts, including conducting safety rounds within the facility.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Primarily works indoors within a shelter environment.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Occasional work-related travel may be required.
• Regular interaction with individuals experiencing crisis or trauma-related circumstances.
• Moderate noise levels are typical within the work environment.

ADA: The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

AAP/EEO: The Women's Center is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Digital Fingerprints/Criminal Background Check for TWC Applicants

What information will be requested at the time of the fingerprinting reservation?

1. Full legal name

2. Full current address

3. Date of birth

4. Gender

5. Social Security number

6. Height

7. Weight

8. Hair color

9. Eye color

10. Ethnicity

11. Place of birth

12. Citizenship

Primary ID (photograph and signature, non-expired)

• Government-issued driver's license

• Learner's permit (plastic card only with photo and signature)

• National/State/County identification card

• Passport

• Military ID

• Military ID for spouses and dependents

• Alien registration card (Green card, permanent resident visa)

Secondary ID (signature, non-expired)

• Social Security card