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:FullTime NonExempt

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

SUMMARY

Sojourns mission is to provide without prejudice shelter and support services to adult and child victims of domestic violence; prevent violence through nondominant childrearing and the reenvisioning 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 childrens 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 traumainformed deescalation 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 24hour 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 childcare 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 onsite 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 DutiesOperations:
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; 24hour 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 decisionmaking 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 40hour 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