Shelter Advocate - FLOATER

CAST has an immediate opening for a Shelter Advocate - FLOATER

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Shelter Advocate position is under the Empowerment Department. This position is responsible for providing support and crisis intervention to survivors of human trafficking and modern-day slavery by providing support and advocacy to survivors in our emergency shelter and hotline, including assisting shelter residents with daily living needs and providing general support and shelter coverage. The Shelter Support Staff documents services provided in our database, conducts intakes, prepares room for new residents, conducts room checks and attends supervision and team meetings. This position will also be responsible to ensure that residents are in compliance with program guidelines and overall maintenance of the facility.

This position requires thorough knowledge and understanding of a human rights, strengths-based approach in serving clients. The Shelter Advocate should be familiar with and employ key social work values, including client empowerment, professional boundaries, and self-care. independent decision-making ability, and excellent interpersonal and team-building skills. Part-time, exempt position.

Core hours Friday-Sunday 11am-7:30pm (Hours are subject to chage based on needs of the organization). This position is a floater position, required to travel between two work sites.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Intake and Assessment: Manage the intake process and move in for incoming residents

• Answer hotline calls from CAST's 24/7 hotline, and respond accordingly by:
  • Perform client intake, screen new referrals, triage needs, create initial action plans, and coordinate with client, CAST staff, and partners to address emergency needs.
  • Inform on-call Emergency Response staff of any urgent calls that required immediate follow-up from the hotline.
  • Make appropriate referrals when space is not available at shelter or they are not eligible for shelter services.
  • Document all hotline calls in the database.
  • Coordinate transportation to the shelter program,
  • Coordinate and manage resident move in and orientation; and
  • Enter data in a timely into organization database.

House Management: Oversee the daily maintenance and operations of the shelter.

• Document any incidents, resident issues that arise throughout shift (and contact Shelter Program Manager or on call supervision staff as needed).
• Conduct routine walk-through of the building including all floors, and entrances to ensure the safety of residents and staff.
• Manage the preparation of preparing the beds and rooms for new move ins.
• Conduct and manage the intake orientation for new clients.
• Conduct discharge procedure upon exit.
• Report and manage any maintenance issues that may occur and report to Shelter Program Manager.
• Assist clients with online applications for employment, housing, and benefits as directed by the Case Manager and/or Assistant Case Manager.
• Assist with client accompaniments as assigned.
• Ensure communal chore assignments are being completed.
• Uphold policies and procedures that contribute to the safety and confidentiality of the CAST Shelter Program.

Crisis Intervention: Provide short-term intervention to help clients receive assistance, resources, stabilization and support.

• Assess and respond to client crises with a strengths-based, problem-solving approach.
• Contact Shelter Program Manager or on call staff member if immediate assistance is needed to stabilize a client.
• Document all incidents and continue to monitor resident relations.

Conflict Resolution: Manage and diffuse conflict between residents as they occur and manage any safety concerns that may arise from conflicts.

• Assess and respond to conflict and offer a peaceful solution to disagreements.
• Contact Shelter Program Manager or on call staff members if immediate assistance is needed.
• Document all incidents and continue to monitor resident relations.
• Communicate disputes and/or issues that require further intervention to Shelter Program Manager.

Administrative Assistance: Provide administrative support that facilitates the day to day operations of the shelter.

• Manage the shelter wish list.
• Maintain inventory of office supplies and order when needed.
• Assist with maintaining resources such as job listings, housing listings, medical, dental, etc.
• Manage workshop calendar scheduling and distribution.
• Schedule interpreters for workshops.
• Assist Case Manager and Assistance Case Manager in scheduling transportation for clients (such as Uber, Lyft, etc.).
• Manage distribution and log (via Program Manager and/or Case Manager approval) of gift cards and transportation passes.
• Provide administrative assistance to Program Manager and Case Manager as needed.

*Other duties in line with CAST Shelter Program needs, as needed and requested.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor of Arts or Science degree, or extensive experience and demonstrated skills and aptitude considered in lieu of education.
2. Shelter or group home experience preferred.
3. Bilingual preferred (Spanish, Arabic, one or more of the API languages)
4. Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision; Must be organized, flexible, detail-oriented, and multi-tasking.
5. Must be a self-starter, able to work in a team environment and manage time effectively.
6. Strong assessment skills and experience to determine client needs;
7. In depth knowledge of issues related to providing services to survivors of human trafficking, human rights and violence against women.
8. Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations and/or with individuals who have limited English proficiency.
9. Knowledge of multidisciplinary and multicultural approaches;
10. Ability to maintain a positive, cooperative, and professional demeanor with clients, partner organizations, volunteers/interns, staff/board, donors, consultants, and members of the public.
11. Excellent oral and written communication skills;
12. Ability to operate computer systems, including Internet, email, databases, and word processing software (Microsoft Office Suite);
13. Capacity to work in a fast-paced program and manage multi-faceted services;

Physical demands are typical for an office environment, including sitting, reaching, lifting, speaking, hearing, and seeing - reasonable accommodations can be made.

The Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (Cast) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAST complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

CAST offers generous benefits, including medical, life, paid sick/vacation time, a 403(b) plan, and Supervision for Licensure hours. Additionally, we provide you an opportunity for continued learning through career, professional & personal development, and training along with working with a team of committed individuals, where you are supported and given every chance to succeed....