YWCA Mission Statement

YWCA Rock County is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

AVP Purpose Statement

YWCA Alternatives to Violence (AVP) provides safe, confidential, and sensitive services to domestic violence victims and their minor children, sexual assault victims and their minor children and victims of human trafficking through a 24-hour helpline and text line, emergency shelter, supportive case management services, legal advocacy, and support groups for residents, walk-in clients and community members.

Job Summary

The Shelter Advocate works under the supervision of the Program Director of Crisis Services and Empowerment. They are responsible for providing crisis support along with information and referral(s) to helpline callers and share in shelter responsibilities. As services are provided 24/7/365, this position is specific to weekends, evenings and overnights.

Qualifications

Educational training and/or life-experience based knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault. Strong communication and organizational skills. Must possess ability to work in collaboration with philosophically and culturally diverse and underserved populations. Dependable, non-judgmental, flexible and able to work in a high stress environment. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, be a creative problem solver.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Answer the Helpline and text line, document the information appropriately and collaboratively work with the team to respond
• Respond to and work collaboratively with law enforcement jurisdictions in regards to Lethality Assessment Program, safety planning and make appointments as requested by case managers.
• Monitor the security system, including cameras, doors and gate.
• Conduct in-take process for new residents which may include facility tour, review of expectations, filling out necessary intake paperwork, logging any medications, communicating to other staff, etc.
• Assist in providing support and services to shelter residents, as needed.
• Assist residents in complying with shelter expectations.
• Follow shelter procedures regarding documentation of resident activities and concerns, etc.
• Record in staff & client log to enhance communication between staff during each shift, includes data entries.
• Report any maintenance issues to the program director.
• Continue to participate in applicable training, including trauma informed care and crisis work

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of current and past program participants and callers, per policy.
• Establish and continue utilizing a self-care/safety plan
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and association meetings as required
• Be familiar with the YWCA mission, vision, goals and policies.
• Represent the YWCA on community groups as requested by supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reports to Program Director of Crisis Services and Empowerment

Supervises None

Hours .5 FTE Hourly. / 1 FTE. Hourly specifically weekends, evenings & overnights.

Compensation Benefits as described in YWCA personnel handbook.