Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate - Ansonia

POSITION SUMMARY: To create an environment that supports individual safety and breaks the cycle of domestic violence by providing services that include crisis intervention/safety planning, prevention programs, and public policy advocacy.

Accountable and responsible for the following results:

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Ensure all documentation is complete by end of shift.
• Maintain an active presence at the shelter while providing a safe and positive environment.
• May perform other duties as assigned.
• Provide transportation for shelter clients, medical needs, shopping, education program, cultural activities, etc.
• Assist clients in developing safety planning which address clients particular situations.
• Responsible for household, adhering to food inventory schedule and weekly grocery shopping depending on shift worked.
• Required to use own vehicle on company business or to transport clients.
• Provide clients with information and referral and resources outside of the domestic violence program.
• Collaborate with outside providers, (i.e. substance abuse, mental health, police department, hospital, etc.) to ensure clients needs are met.
• Responsible for Hotline coverage.
• Provide support groups as requested by Program Manager.
• Required to remain awake and alert on all shifts.
• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of house along with shelter clients.
• Responsible for preparing rooms for intake and discharge.
• Complete all intakes and orient new residents and their children to the safe house. Collaborate with office staff regarding sheltering and transport of new clients.
• Attends training sessions, workshops, seminars as requested by supervisor, or as needed for professional development, or as required for accreditation or licensing.
• Develop, monitor and update clients service plans to include advocacy, crisis intervention, and referrals to appropriate services.
• Provide emotional support to help adults and children understand feelings and behaviors in response to abuse and specific ways to build self-esteem and more adaptive coping strategies through weekly scheduled appointments.

BHcare

Caring for our community through all stages of life.

Who We Are

BHcare is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that offers a comprehensive and integrated system of care with wrap-around services for adults, children and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other health-risk behaviors.

We employ a diverse and dedicated group of professionals that create and sustain programs to rebuild and change the lives of those who walk through our doors each day. We are devoted to helping our clients live to their full potential as happy, healthy and active members of our community.

Why BHcare?

Our culture and benefits are designed to promote your well-being and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits to full-time (30+ hours per week) employees:

• Employee referral program
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, personal and 8 holidays)
• Health & Dental insurance
• 403(b) retirement plans with 4% employer match
• LTD & Disability coverage
• Supplemental insurance including STD, Cancer, Accident and Critical Illness
• Life & AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid family leave
• Medical flexible spending accounts
• Career advancement opportunities
• Flexible work schedule

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be proficient with PCs and Microsoft Office Word & Outlook.
• Must have and maintain a valid CT drivers license if relocated to CT as a state resident more than 30 days ago. Also, must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable at a reasonable rate under the Organizations auto insurance plan.
• Two years Advocacy and/or direct service experience working with survivors of domestic violence in a community-based setting preferred.
• Strong Written Communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of clients.
• Crisis intervention and counseling skills preferred.
• Bachelors Degree preferred and two (2) years related work experience in human services; OR Associates degree and four (4) years related work experience in human services; OR High School diploma or equivalent and 8 years related work experience in human services. Substitution of appropriate college training is allowed but subject to funders approval,
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the certified domestic violence counselor per CGS 52-146k before providing direct service to clients, followed with six-hour recertification yearly.

• Must have and maintain a valid CT drivers license if relocated to CT as a state resident more than 30 days ago. Also, must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable at a reasonable rate under the Organizations auto insurance plan.
• Crisis intervention and counseling skills preferred.
• Must be proficient with PCs and Microsoft Office Word & Outlook.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS:

Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR/ First Aid certification